A patient is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. To be effective, how soon should thrombolytic agents be administered?
a. 4 to 6 hours
b. 7 to 9 hours
c. 10 to 12 hours
d. 14 to 24 hours
ANS: A
Thrombolytic agents such as alteplase (Activase) or reteplase (Retavase) may be used in life-threatening emergencies to dissolve the clot Thrombolytics must be administered within 4 to 6 hours of the clot's occurrence. B. C. D. Administering the medication after 6 hours would be ineffective to dissolve the clot.
You might also like to view...
The patient is scheduled to begin treatment with the disease-modifying antirheumatic drug methotrexate. In order to avoid a life-threatening adverse effect of the drug, the patient should receive a frequent assessment of:
a. Heart rate b. Breath sounds c. Bowel sounds d. Mental status
An 8-year-old girl asks the nurse how the blood pressure apparatus works. The most appropriate nursing action is to
a. Ask her why she wants to know. b. Determine why she is so anxious. c. Explain in simple terms how it works. d. Tell her she will see how it works as it is used.
Sacket noted that the practice of evidence-based practice means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external evidence from systematic research
A) True B) False
The husband of a terminally ill client says to the nurse, "My company went bankrupt, my son is a drug addict, my daughter is an alcoholic, and now this! My doctor wants me to try some stress reduction because my blood pressure is up. Whose wouldn't be? I've tried music and relaxation, but they don't work." Which statement by the nurse would be therapeutic?
A. "Let's talk more about what has been helpful to you in the past." B. "Before we talk about stress management, let's discuss your children." C. "You have a lot of problems. How long does your wife have to live, and what is her relationship with your children?" D. "Can you afford to pay for therapy sessions? I see that your benefits are pretty much maxed out, and I'd hate to ask you to take on any additional burden."