A patient will begin taking dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) to prevent stroke. The nurse will include which statement when teaching this patient?
a. Dabigatran should be taken on an empty stomach to improve absorption.
b. It is important not to crush, chew, or open capsules of dabigatran.
c. The risk of bleeding with dabigatran is less than that with warfarin (Coumadin).
d. To remember to take dabigatran twice daily, a pill organizer can be useful.
ANS: B
Patients should be taught to swallow capsules of dabigatran intact; absorption may be increased as much as 75%, increasing the risk of bleeding, if the capsules are crushed, chewed, or opened. Dabigatran may be taken with or without food. The risk of bleeding is not less than that of warfarin. Dabigatran is unstable when exposed to moisture, so using a pill organizer is not recommended.
You might also like to view...
The following hypothesis was investigated in a study you are reviewing: Teenagers who have a high self-concept will be less likely to diet than those with a low self-concept
As you critique this study, which terms do not require an operational definition? a. Age of subject b. Dieting status c. Self-concept d. Teenager
Under new U.S. Food and Drug Administration labeling, Pregnancy Categories will be:
1. Strengthened with a new coding such as C+ or C- to discern when a drug is more or less toxic to the fetus 2. Changed to incorporate a pregnancy risk summary and clinical considerations on the drug label 3. Eliminated, and replaced with a link to the National Library of Medicine TOXNET Web site for in-depth information regarding pregnancy concerns 4. Clarified to include information such as safe dosages in each trimester of pregnancy
On what criteria should middle range theories be evaluated?
A) Criteria are the same for all theories. B) Criteria developed for each individual theory. C) Similar criteria as grand with consideration for differences. D) Criteria used for practice theories are appropriate for middle range theory.
The nurse is teaching a client about medications that can be taken to treat the diarrhea that often accompanies chemotherapy. Which medications would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session?
Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX) 2. Psyllium (Metamucil) 3. Atropine (Lomotil) 4. Loperamide (Imodium) 5. Bismuth salts (Pepto Bismol)