A ppatient with a clotting disorder is prescribed an anticoagulant and asks you to explain the purpose of
anticoagulant therapy. What is your best response?
a. Anticoagulants are used to lyse existing clots.
b. Anticoagulants are used to increase the flow of blood.
c. Anticoagulants are used to prevent new clot formation.
d. Anticoagulants are used to thin the viscosity of the blood.
2. You are caring for a patient who is taking an NSAID for treatment of arthritis and will also be treated with
heparin. What may you expect that the patient will experience?
a. A decrease in arthritis pain
b. An increase in arthritis pain
c. A decreased effect of the heparin
d. An increased effect of the heparin
3. Which of the following menu selections demonstrates understanding of the dietary teaching for a patient
treated with an anticoagulant?
a. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and iced tea
b. Chef salad, whole grain crackers, and orange juice
c. Baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, and low-fat milk
d. Pork chops, broccoli and cheese, and iced tea
4. A 63-year-old male patient is being discharged from the hospital after being treated for rapid atrial fibrillation.
The healthcare provider treating him mentioned that he would be discharged today and begin treatment with a
direct thrombin inhibitor. Which drugs belong to the direct thrombin inhibitor class of anticoagulants that may
be prescribed for this patient? Select all that apply.
a. acetylsalicylic acid
b. apixaban
c. clopidogrel
d. dabigatran
e. heparin
f. protamine sulfate
Principles of Pharmacology: Outline for Module 3
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g. rivaroxaban
h. warfarin