A client has been prescribed a thrombolytic, and asks the nurse to explain why this medication has been prescribed. Which reply by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

1. "These medications are used to prevent the formation of clots."
2. "These medications inhibit the normal removal of fibrin, thus keeping the clot in place for a longer period of time."
3. "These medications are used to dissolve life-threatening clots."
4. "These medications are used to prevent clotting action of platelets."

Answer 1

3

Rationale 1:Anticoagulants are drugs that prolong bleeding time and prevent thrombi from forming or growing larger.
Rationale 2:Hemostatics are medications that inhibit the normal removal of fibrin, thus keeping the clot in place for a longer period of time.
Rationale 3: Thrombolytics are used to dissolve life-threatening clots.
Rationale 4:Antiplatelets are used to prevent clotting action of platelets.

Global Rationale: Thrombolytics are used to dissolve life-threatening clots.