NCLEX RN Practice Question # 668

Nclex Examination.

Practice Question # 668.

Intravenous heparin:

Intravenous heparin is the initial treatment of choice for most patients with acute pulmonary embolism or proximal deep vein thrombosis. The primary objective of initial heparin therapy in such patients is to prevent recurrent venous thromboembolism. The efficacy of intravenous heparin for this purpose has been established by randomized clinical trials in patients with pulmonary embolism, and more recently, in patients with proximal vein thrombosis.

Summary of Heparin:

Indications:

Prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli; treatment of atrial fibrillation with embolization; diagnosis and treatment of DIC; prevention of clotting in blood samples and heparin locksets.

Actions: Inhibits thrombus and clot production by blocking the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and fibrinogen to fibrin.

Pharmacokinetics:

Route       Onset             Peak                       Duration

IV               Immediate     Minutes                 2–6 h

SQ              20–60 min        2–4 h                   8–12 h

Adverse effects: Loss of hair, bruising, chills, fever, osteoporosis, suppression of renal function (with long-term use).