A client with hypertension and benign prostate hyperplasia is prescribed doxazosin (Cardura). Which of the following statements below would the nurse emphasize regarding doxazosin (Cardura)?
"Increase your potassium intake by eating more bananas and apricots."
"Weigh yourself daily, and report any weight loss to your prescriber."
"The impaired taste associated with this medication usually goes away in 2 to 3 weeks."
"Be sure to lie down after taking the first dose, because first-dose hypotension may make you dizzy."
The Correct Answer is D
A) "Increase your potassium intake by eating more bananas and apricots.": Doxazosin is not a potassium-sparing medication, and there is no specific indication for increased potassium intake with this drug. This advice may be misleading, especially since excessive
potassium can pose risks, particularly in certain populations.
B) "Weigh yourself daily, and report any weight loss to your prescriber.": Daily weighing can be important for monitoring fluid retention in some conditions, but weight loss is not a common side effect of doxazosin. Instead, clients should be more concerned about weight gain due to fluid retention or potential side effects from the medication.
C) "The impaired taste associated with this medication usually goes away in 2 to 3 weeks.": Impaired taste is not a well-documented side effect of doxazosin. While some medications may cause changes in taste, this statement is not relevant for doxazosin and does not address the most critical aspects of its administration.
D) "Be sure to lie down after taking the first dose, because first-dose hypotension may make you dizzy.": This statement is accurate and important. Doxazosin can cause first-dose hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting. Advising the client to lie down after the first dose helps mitigate the risk of hypotensive effects, making this the most appropriate emphasis for the nurse.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Depending on the level of your PT/INR, the clot will begin to dissolve.": This response is misleading, as heparin's effect is not primarily monitored by PT/INR; rather, heparin is monitored by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Moreover, heparin does not directly dissolve clots; it prevents further clot formation.
B. "After the first dose, the clot will begin to dissolve.": This statement inaccurately suggests that heparin has an immediate effect on dissolving existing clots. While heparin acts quickly to inhibit further clotting, it does not lead to the dissolution of clots after the first dose.
C. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level.": This is not accurate for heparin, which has an immediate effect on coagulation. While the therapeutic effects can be optimized over several days, heparin begins to work right away to prevent further clotting.
D. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming.": This response accurately describes the mechanism of action of heparin. Heparin prevents the extension of existing clots and the formation of new clots, but it does not actively dissolve clots. This clarification is essential for the client’s understanding of their treatment and expectations regarding DVT management.
Correct Answer is ["D","E"]
Explanation
A) Aspirin: While aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that can help prevent further clot formation, it does not have thrombolytic properties and does not directly lyse existing clots. Therefore, it is not appropriate for this purpose.
B) Heparin: Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent the extension of existing clots and reduce the risk of new clots forming, but it does not dissolve existing clots. It helps manage deep vein thrombosis but does not have thrombolytic activity.
C) Warfarin (Coumadin): Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that is used to prevent new clot formation and the growth of existing clots. However, like heparin, it does not actively lyse or dissolve existing clots.
D) Alteplase (Activase): This medication is a thrombolytic agent that actively dissolves blood clots by activating plasminogen to plasmin, leading to clot breakdown. It is appropriate for use in cases of deep vein thrombosis when clot lysis is indicated.
E) Anistreplase (Eminase): Similar to alteplase, anistreplase is another thrombolytic agent used to lyse existing clots. It acts by converting plasminogen to plasmin, effectively breaking down fibrin in clots, making it suitable for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.