A nurse is assisting with the care of a postoperative client following a total knee replacement. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe to prevent the formulation of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Warfarin
Alteplase (PA)
Clopidogrel
Enoxaparin
The Correct Answer is D
A. Warfarin. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, but it typically requires several days to achieve a therapeutic effect and needs close monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels. While it can be used for long-term prevention of DVT, it's not the immediate choice for post-operative prophylaxis.
B. Alteplase (tPA). Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent, used to break down existing clots, not prevent their formation. It is typically used in emergency situations, such as for treating ischemic stroke.
C. Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent, often used to prevent arterial clots, not DVTs. It is more commonly used in conditions like stroke and heart disease.
D. Enoxaparin. Enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, is commonly used to prevent DVT after surgery by inhibiting specific clotting factors. It’s frequently prescribed for DVT prevention in orthopedic surgery patients.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer high-calorie diet to prevent weight loss. While adequate nutrition is important, a high-calorie diet is not the primary priority in managing heart failure. Sodium and fluid management are usually more crucial to control fluid overload.
B. Reduce sodium intake to help manage fluid retention. Reducing sodium intake is a priority in heart failure management as it helps prevent fluid retention, which reduces workload on the heart and decreases symptoms of fluid overload.
C. Encourage complete bed rest to reduce cardiac workload. Complete bed rest is not recommended as it can lead to deconditioning and increased risk of blood clots. Activity should be balanced according to the patient’s tolerance.
D. Increase fluid intake to maintain hydration. In heart failure, increasing fluid intake could worsen fluid overload. Fluid restriction may be necessary to prevent excess fluid retention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pain in the neck when the patient flexes their head towards the chest. This describes nuchal rigidity, not Kernig sign.
B. Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed. This describes Brudzinski sign, not Kernig sign.
C. Photophobia and headache triggered by bright light. These are symptoms of meningitis, but they are not specific to Kernig sign.
D. Pain and resistance when attempting to extend the patient's leg from a flexed position. A positive Kernig sign is when there is pain and resistance to leg extension from a flexed hip and knee position, indicating meningeal irritation.