Blood and clotting questions
6 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which lab value is used to monitor warfarin therapy?
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Answer C: INR Warfarin is monitored with the PT/INR; the usual target is 2 to 3.
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A patient on a heparin infusion has a platelet count that dropped by more than 50% from baseline. What does the nurse suspect?
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Answer D: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia A large platelet drop, typically 5 to 10 days after starting heparin, suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which paradoxically causes clotting.
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Which antidote should be available for a patient receiving a heparin infusion?
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Answer C: Protamine sulfate Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin. Vitamin K reverses warfarin.
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A patient who had a coronary stent placed 2 months ago wants to stop clopidogrel because of bruising. What is the best response?
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Answer C: Do not stop it without talking to your cardiologist; stopping early can cause the stent to clot Premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy after a stent greatly raises the risk of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
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Why should aspirin be avoided in a 12-year-old with influenza?
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Answer D: Risk of Reye syndrome Aspirin in children and teenagers with viral illnesses is associated with Reye syndrome, which affects the brain and liver.
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Which suffix is common to the P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel and prasugrel?
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Answer C: -grel Clopidogrel and prasugrel end in -grel; ticagrelor shares the stem with a different ending.