The perinatal nurse administers heparin as ordered to the postpartum woman with newly diagnosed deep vein thrombosis. The patient asks about the purpose of the medication. Which response by the nurse is best?

A.
Assists with breakdown of the thromboses
B.
Decreases clotting time and circulatory clotting factors
C.
Prevents extension of the clot and new clot formation
D.
Prevents the formation of any new clots only


ANS: C
The primary purpose of heparin therapy is to prevent extension of the current clot and to prevent new clot formation. The other answers are not correct.

Nursing

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The nurse, completing a history of present illnesses for a young woman who suspects she may have a STI, will ask specifically about whether the patient has experienced:

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A nurse is working in a state health department. Which of the following programs would the nurse most likely be working with?

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When counting respirations, you should

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