A patient receiving heparin therapy develops bruising and bleeding gums. What should the nurse suspect and what is the appropriate action?
Suspect an allergic reaction and administer antihistamines.
Suspect a bleeding complication and notify the healthcare provider.
Suspect a hypersensitivity reaction and discontinue the heparin immediately.
Suspect an infection and initiate antibiotic therapy.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Bruising and bleeding gums are not indicative of an allergic reaction, which would typically present with different symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling. Administering antihistamines would not address the underlying issue.
B. The development of bruising and bleeding gums in a patient on heparin therapy suggests a bleeding complication, which is a known risk of anticoagulation therapy. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider to assess the situation and possibly adjust treatment or perform further evaluations.
C. While hypersensitivity reactions can occur with medications, the symptoms presented here are more aligned with bleeding complications than with hypersensitivity. Discontinuing heparin without consulting the provider could put the patient at risk for thromboembolic events.
D. The symptoms do not indicate an infection; therefore, initiating antibiotic therapy would not be appropriate in this context.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Sublingual administration involves placing the tablet under the tongue, not between the cheek and gums.
B. Transdermal refers to medication delivered through the skin via a patch, which is not applicable in this scenario.
C. Buccal administration involves placing the medication between the cheek and gums, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed through the oral mucosa.
D. Translingual refers to administering a medication via the tongue, which is not the route being used in this case.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Milk does not enhance the absorption of tetracycline; rather, it contains calcium, which can bind to the antibiotic and reduce its absorption.
B. Avoiding milk and dairy products while taking tetracycline is essential as they reduce the medication's effectiveness by forming insoluble complexes with the drug.
C. Taking milk with tetracycline is not safe due to the risk of decreased absorption; simply increasing water intake does not negate this interaction.
D. While spacing the intake of milk and tetracycline might seem beneficial, it is best to avoid dairy entirely during the treatment to ensure maximum efficacy of the medication.