1.
Which statement correctly describes how antiplatelet medications work? Antiplatelet medications:
Correct Answer
D. Decrease platelet clumping in the vessels
Explanation
Antiplatelet medications decrease platelet "aggregation" or clumping. They do NOT dissolve existing clots - thrombolytics ("clot-busters") do that.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
2.
Which one of these can be used concurrently (at the same time) with warfarin (Coumadin)?
Correct Answer
C. Dipyramidole (Persantine)
Explanation
Only Dipyramidole (Persantine) can be taken at the same time as coumadin.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
3.
Which one of these should be taken with food?
Correct Answer
A. Aspirin
Explanation
Aspirin should be taken with food to avoid GI irritation, GI bleeds, etc.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
4.
What herbal remedies also possess anti-platetelet characteristics, and should not be taken with anti-platelet medications unless directed by a physician? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Garlic
B. Gingko biloba
C. Grapeseed extract
D. Evening primrose oil
E. Feverfew
Explanation
ALL of them! They can ALL reduce platelet clumping - together with antiplatelet meds, you have a very high risk of bleeding.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
5.
Which of the following symptoms should be reported to a physician ASAP when using antiplatelet medications? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Unusual bruising
B. Excessive bleeding
D. New left-sided facial droop
Explanation
Report any signs of unusual bruising, excessive bleeding, or changes in level of consciousness/stroke symptoms immediately. The new left-sided facial droop could be a symptom of stroke, and these medications can cause hemorrhagic stroke.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
6.
True or False: While on antiplatelet medications, patients should expect to see increased bruising, petechiae, purpura, and bright red blood in their stool. These are not abnormal findings, and do not need to be reported to the physician.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False - these are all signs of excessive bleeding, and the physician will stop the antiplatelet medication, and the patient may need to be evaluated.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
7.
True or False: IV antiplatelet drugs are better at preventing platelet aggregation than the oral meds are, and carry a higher risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
True - they are better at what they do, and they also carry a higher risk of bleeding.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
8.
Which of the following MUST be monitored when a patient is receiving IV antiplatelet therapy? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Hemoglobin
B. Hematocrit
C. Platelet count
D. PT/PTT/INR
E. Vital signs
G. ECG
Explanation
During IV antiplatelet therapy, you must monitor Hgb/Hct, platelet count, PT/PTT/INR, vitals and ECG rhythm.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
9.
Which of the following would you need to inquire about, before starting a patient on any antiplatelet medication? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. History of brain hemorrhage or hemorrhagic stroke
B. GI bleeding
C. Peptic ulcer disease
D. Known bleeding tendence
E. Recent trauma/surgery
Explanation
ALL of them! They are all huge RED FLAGS when starting antiplatelet medication.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
10.
Which of the following is NOT an IV antiplatelet medication?
Correct Answer
D. Heparin
Explanation
Heparin is an ANTI-COAGULANT. All the others are antiplatelet medications.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.
11.
After stopping IV antiplatelet medication, how long does it take for bleeding risk to return to normal?
Correct Answer
B. 48 hours
Explanation
It takes 2 days (48 hours) for bleeding risk to return to normal after stopping IV antiplatelet medications.
LeMone, P., Burke, K., & Bauldoff, G. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Patient Care, 5th ed., San Francisco: Pearson. p.927.