1.A patient is admitted to the hospital with deep vein thrombosis.

A 10,000-unit dose of
heparin is administered subcutaneously. What drug does the nurse keep on hand to
reverse the effects of heparin if the patient begins to bleed?
A)
Antithrombin (Thrombate III)
B)
Desirudin (Iprivask)
C)
Protamine sulfate
D)
Vitamin K
Ans:
C
Feedback:
The antidote for heparin is protamine sulfate. This drug forms stable salts as soon as it
comes in contact with heparin. The reaction immediately reverses heparin's
anticoagulation effects. Vitamin K reverses the effect of warfarin. Antithrombin and
desirudin are anticoagulants that would not be administered with heparin.
2.Prior to beginning anticoagulant therapy, the nurse will question the female patient about
what?
A)
Last menstrual period
B)
Peptic ulcers
C)
Urinary tract infection
D)
Weight
Ans:
B
Feedback:
The nurse should screen for conditions that could be exacerbated by increased bleeding
tendencies, including hemorrhagic disorders, recent trauma, spinal puncture,
gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, recent surgery, intrauterine device placement, tuberculosis,
presence of indwelling catheters, and threatened abortion. Beginning anticoagulant
therapy with active peptic ulcers could result in severe bleeding. Last menstrual period,
urinary tract infection, and weight should not impact anticoagulant therapy.
3.The nurse is caring for a female patient who is nursing her 3-month-old infant. What will
the nurse instruct the patient to do prior to starting heparin to treat venous thrombosis?
A)
Wait an hour after taking the anticoagulant before feeding the infant.
B)
Push fluids to clear the drug from her system before feeding the infant.
C)
Find another method of feeding the infant while taking this drug.
D)
Continue breast-feeding because heparin does not enter breast milk.
Ans:
D
Feedback:
Although some adverse fetal effects have been reported with its use during pregnancy,
heparin does not enter breast milk, and so it is the anticoagulant of choice if one is needed
during lactation. As a result, there is no need to wait an hour, push fluids, or find another
method of feeding the baby.
4.The nurse receives a patient having an acute myocardial infarction (MI) to the emergency
department. What drug will the nurse administer before transferring the patient to a larger
facility?
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A)
B)
C)
D)
Ans:

Anagrelide (Agrylin)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Tenecteplase (TNKase)
D
Feedback:
Arrange to administer tenecteplase to reduce mortality associated with acute MI as soon
as possible after the onset of symptoms because the timing for the administration of
tenecteplase is critical to resolve the clot before permanent damage occurs to the
myocardial cells. Anagrelide is used to treat essential thrombocytopenia. Clopidogrel is
used to treat patients who are at risk for ischemic events; ticlopidine is used to reduce the
risk of thrombotic stroke.

5.A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient newly prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). While
assessing the patient's knowledge of the drug, what would indicate that the patient needs
further instruction concerning drug therapy?
A)
I love to eat homegrown tomatoes in the summer.
B)
I take aspirin for my arthritis.
C)
I walk 2 miles a day.
D)
I drink a glass of wine about once a week.
Ans:
B
Feedback:
Increased bleeding can occur if a salicylate is taken in combination with warfarin. The
nurse will instruct the patient to stop taking aspirin. Walking, eating tomatoes, and
drinking an occasional glass of wine should not interfere with the therapeutic effects of
warfarin.
6.The nurse is caring for a patient with a fever and severe diarrhea in addition to
thrombophlebitis. How will this patient's condition impact the clotting process?
A)
Depleted production of Hageman factor
B)
Increased production of thrombin
C)
Activation of plasminogen
D)
Reduced production of fibrinolysin
Ans:
C
Feedback:
Plasminogen is the basis for the clot-dissolving system. It is converted to plasmin
(fibrinolysin) by several factors including Hageman's factor, which is factor XII found in
circulating blood. Activated thrombin breaks down fibrinogen to form fibrin threads,
which form a clot inside the blood vessel. Patients with diarrhea or fever could alter the
normal clotting process by, respectively, loss of vitamin K from the intestine or activation
of plasminogen.
7.The nurse is caring for a patient who received protamine sulfate in error. The patient is

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A)
B)
C)
D)
Ans:

not receiving, and has never received, heparin. What effect does the nurse assess for in
this patient?
Coagulation effects
No effect
Anticoagulant effects
Antiplatelet effects
C
Feedback:
Paradoxically, if protamine is given to a patient who has not received heparin, it has
anticoagulant effects. Protamine is normally used as an antidote to heparin overdose but
if heparin was not administered, it does not have coagulation or antiplatelet effects. Since
it has anticoagulant effects it cannot be said to have no effect.

8.A patient is being discharged home on warfarin. The discharge teaching by the nurse
should include a warning to avoid what?
A)
St. John's wort
B)
Tarragon
C)
Ginkgo
D)
Saw palmetto
Ans:
C
Feedback:
Many of the herbal remedies are known to alter blood coagulation and should be avoided
when taking anticoagulants. Patients taking these drugs should be cautioned to avoid
angelica, cat's claw, chamomile, chondroitin, feverfew, garlic, Ginkgo, goldenseal, grape
seed extract, green leaf tea, horse chestnut seed, psyllium, and turmeric. If a patient who
is taking an anticoagulant presents with increased bleeding and no other interaction or
cause is found, question the patient about the possibility of use of herbal therapies. St.
John's wort, tarragon, and saw palmetto are not implicated as having an interaction with
anticoagulants.
9.The nurse administers clopidogrel (Plavix) appropriately to the patient with what
condition?
A)
Maintaining the patency of grafts
B)
Treating peripheral artery disease
C)
Preventing emboli from valve replacements
D)
Dissolving a pulmonary embolus and improving oxygenation
Ans:
B
Feedback:
Clopidogrel is used to inhibit platelet aggregation, decreasing the formation of clots in
narrowed or injured blood vessels like those found in peripheral artery disease.
Maintaining the patency of grafts or preventing emboli from valve replacements would
be accomplished using an anticoagulant. Dissolving emboli would be accomplished using
streptokinase or a similar enzyme to stimulate the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin.

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10.The nurse is caring for a patient who is going home on warfarin (Coumadin). What lab
test will the patient require to evaluate therapeutic effects of the drug?
A)
Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) only
B)
International normalized ratio (INR) only
C)
Prothrombin time (PT) and INR
D)
PT and APTT
Ans:
C
Feedback:
PT and INR are ordered to evaluate for therapeutic effects of warfarin. Normal values of
PT is 1.3 to 1.5 times the control value and the ratio of PT to INR is 2 to 3.5.
11.What drug would the nurse administer for its antiplatelet effects? (Select all that apply.)
A)
Ticlid
B)
Iprivask
C)
Arixtra
D)
ReoPro
E)
Activase
Ans:
A, D
Feedback:
Antiplatelet agents available for use include abciximab (ReoPro), anagrelide (Agrylin),
aspirin, cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), eptifibatide
(Integrilin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), ticagrelor (Brilinta), and tirofiban (Aggrastat). Iprivask
and Arixtra are anticoagulants, and Actuvase is a thrombolytic agent.
12.A 76-year-old patient is receiving IV heparin 5,000 units every 8 hours. An activated
thromboplastin time (aPTT) is drawn 1 hour before the 8:00 AM dose; the aPTT is at 3.5
times the control value. What is the nurse's priority action?
A)
Give a larger dose to increase the aPTT.
B)
Give the dose as ordered and chart the results.
C)
Check the patient's vital signs prior to administering the dose.
D)
Hold the dose and call the result to the physician.
Ans:
D
Feedback:
The therapeutic level of heparin is demonstrated by an activated partial thromboplastin
time (aPTT) that is 1.5 to 3 times the control value. The patient's value is 3.5 times
control, which indicates clotting time is a bit too delayed and the dosage will likely either
be reduced or a dosage may be held according to the order received from the physician. It
would be inappropriate to give two doses at once, give the dose and chart the results, or
simply check the vital signs without holding the dose and calling the physician.
13.The nurse evaluates the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) by monitoring what laboratory
test?

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A)
B)
C)
D)
Ans:

Red blood cell count (RBC)

Activated thromboplastin time (APT)
Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR)
Platelet count
C
Feedback:
The warfarin dose is regulated according to the INR. INR is based upon the PT. The other
options are incorrect.

14.The nurse discovers a patient receiving warfarin is bleeding. What drug would the nurse
prepare to counteract this drug?
A)
Vitamin E
B)
Vitamin K
C)
Protamine sulfate
D)
Calcium gluconate
Ans:
C
Feedback:
Injectable vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin. Protamine sulfate is used
to reverse the effects of heparin. Vitamin E reduces effects of warfarin but is not used for
that purpose. Calcium gluconate would not be indicated for this patient.
15.The nurse evaluates that additional patient teaching is needed regarding anticoagulants
when the patient states that he will do what?
A)
Carry a Medic Alert card with him.
B)
Report to the lab once a month.
C)
Use acetaminophen for arthritis pain.
D)
Use a disposable safety razor to shave.
Ans:
D
Feedback:
The patient should use an electric razor to shave rather than a disposable razor that could
nick his skin and increase risk of bleeding. Carrying a MedicAlert card, getting regular
follow-up lab work, and use of acetaminophen would all be appropriate actions that
would not indicate the need for further teaching.
16.The nurse teaches the patient taking warfarin (Coumadin) to minimize foods high in
vitamin K including what type of food?
A)
Eggs
B)
Dairy products
C)
Citrus fruits
D)
Green leafy vegetables
Ans:
D
Feedback:
Injectable vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin. Vitamin K is responsible

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for promoting the liver synthesis of several clotting factors. When these pathways have
been inhibited by warfarin, clotting time is increased. If an increased level of vitamin K is
provided, more of these factors are produced, and the clotting time can be brought back
within a normal range. Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K and should be
avoided or minimized in the diet to prevent reversal of warfarin effects. The other food
options are not high in vitamin K.
17.The nurse evaluates teaching about warfarin (Coumadin) is successful when the patient
makes what statement?
A)
If I miss a dose, I will take two pills the next day.
B)
I will check with the pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements.
C)
I will increase the dark-green leafy vegetables in my diet.
D)
I will take a multivitamin daily.
Ans:
B
Feedback:
Warfarin is involved in many drugdrug and drugherb interactions so the patients
statement about checking with the doctor before starting any new drugs or supplements
would be correct. The other statements made by the patient indicate the need for further
teaching because he or she should not take two pills after missing a dose, there is no need
to increase green leafy vegetables containing vitamin K, and multivitamin use is
contraindicated.
18.The nurse assesses blood in the urine of the 73-year-old patient receiving warfarin
(Coumadin) this morning. What actions will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
A)
Assess prothrombin time (PT).
B)
Assess international normalized ratio (INR).
C)
Expect to administer protamine sulfate.
D)
Expect to administer vitamin K.
E)
Assess partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
Ans:
A, B, D
Feedback:
Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin. PT and INR are used to assess therapeutic levels
of warfarin. PTT is used to assess therapeutic levels of heparin. Protamine sulfate is given
as an antidote for heparin.
19.The nurse is caring for a patient following repeat coronary artery bypass grafting who has
excessive bleeding. What systemic hemostatic drug will the nurse expect to administer?
A)
Thrombin recombinant
B)
Microfibrillar collagen
C)
Human fibrin sealant
D)
Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)
Ans:
D
Feedback:

Page 6

The hemostatic drug that is used systemically is aminocaproic acid (Amicar). Topical
hemostatic agents include absorbable gelatin (Gelfoam), human fibrin sealant (Artiss,
Evicel), microfibrillar collagen (Avitene), thrombin (Thrombinar, Thrombostat), and
thrombin recombinant (Recothrom).
20.The 86-year-old patient, admitted with thrombophlebitis, is being sent home on
enoxaparin (Lovenox). The nurse evaluates that he understands why enoxaparin is being
used if he states that it will do what?
A)
Inhibit the formation of additional clots
B)
Stimulate production of certain clotting factors
C)
Prevent the blood from clotting
D)
Dissolve the clot
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Low-molecular-weight heparins inhibit thrombus and clot formation by blocking factors
Xa and IIa. Because of the size and nature of the molecules, these drugs do not greatly
affect thrombin, clotting, or the PT; therefore, they cause fewer systemic adverse effects.
21.What intervention does the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient receiving a
continuous intravenous infusion of heparin?
A)
Avoiding intramuscular injections
B)
Assessing for symptoms of respiratory depression
C)
Measuring hourly urinary outputs
D)
Monitoring BP hourly
Ans:
A
Feedback:
The most commonly encountered adverse effect of the anticoagulants is bleeding, ranging
from bleeding gums during toothbrushing to severe internal hemorrhage. Avoid all
invasive procedures, including giving IM injections, while the patient is on heparin
therapy. It would not be necessary to assess for respiratory depression, measure hourly
output, or monitor the BP hourly as related because of heparin administration.
22.The nurse is sending a patient home who will remain on anticoagulant therapy. What
teaching point does the nurse make when teaching the patient about the drug? (Select all
that apply.)
A)
Brush teeth gently with soft bristle brush.
B)
Wear or carry a MedicAlert notification.
C)
Warning signs of bleeding include fatigue, pallor, and increased heart rate.
D)
Treat minor side effects with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
E)
Obtain follow-up lab work regularly as ordered.
Ans:
A, B, C, E
Feedback:
Patients should be taught to avoid bleeding risk by brushing teeth gently, using electric

Page 7

razors, and avoiding dangerous activities or falls that could cause bleeding. The patient
should have a MedicAlert to notify other health care providers of anticoagulant therapy.
Teach patients to recognize the signs of blood loss and stress the importance of follow-up
lab work. Patients should be taught to avoid adding any new medication, prescription or
OTC, without first talking to the health care provider or pharmacist to ensure safety.
23.Indications for the nurse to administer heparin include what? (Select all that apply.)
A)
Treatment of hemophilia
B)
Prevention and treatment of pulmonary emboli
C)
Treatment of atrial fibrillation with embolization
D)
Prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis
E)
Diagnosis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Ans:
B, C, D, E
Feedback:
Indications include prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary
emboli, treatment of atrial fibrillation with embolization, and diagnosis and treatment of
DIC. Heparin is not given to patients with hemophilia because the drug would worsen
bleeding.
24.The nurse is caring for a child who needs anticoagulation therapy. What drug is approved
for pediatric use?
A)
Heparin
B)
Dabigatran
C)
Rivaroxaban
D)
Low-molecular-weight heparins
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Heparin is approved for pediatric use. If heparin is used, the dosage should be carefully
calculated based on weight and age. It should be verified by another person before the
drug is administered. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are not approved for use in children.
The safety of low-molecular-weight heparins has not been established in children.
25.When the nurse administers warfarin it is expected that the drug will have what effect on
the body?
A)
Decrease in production of vitamin Kdependentt clotting factors
B)
Increase in prothrombin
C)
Increase in vitamin Kdependent factors in the liver
D)
Increase in procoagulation factors
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Warfarin, an oral anticoagulant drug, causes a decrease in the production ovitamin K
dependent clotting factors in the liver. The eventual effect is a depletion of these clotting
factors and a prolongation of clotting times. It is used to maintain a state of

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anticoagulation in situations in which the patient is susceptible to potentially dangerous

clot formation. It does not increase prothrombin, vitamin Kdependent factors in the
liver, or procoagulation factors.
26.When the nurse administers heparin it is anticipated the drug will have what action on the
patient's body?
A)
Binds to factor X
B)
Blocks the formation of thrombin
C)
Binds to factor Xa
D)
Promotes the inactivation of factor VIII
Ans:
B
Feedback:
Heparin blocks the formation of thrombin from prothrombin. Heparin does not bind to
factors X and Xa. Heparin does not inactivate factor VIII.
27.A young man has been diagnosed with hemophilia and the nurse is planning his discharge
teaching and includes what teaching point?
A)
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild pain
B)
Preventing trauma to the body
C)
Receiving IV factor VIII therapy at home
D)
Understanding the condition is an X-linked recessive disorder
Ans:
B
Feedback:
The nurse's thorough patient teaching must include the name of the drug, dosage
prescribed, measures to avoid adverse effects, warning signs of problems, and the need
for periodic monitoring and evaluation. Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive disorder
that primarily affects males. Approximately 90% of persons with hemophilia produce
insufficient quantities of the factor VIII. The prevention of trauma is important in people
with hemophilia. The other options are incorrect.
28.The nurse admits a 32-year-old woman who takes oral contraceptives; she is expected to
need aminocaproic acid postoperatively. The nurse recognizes this patient is at risk for
what?
A)
Hypercoagulation
B)
Bleeding
C)
Pregnancy
D)
Infertility
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Aminocaproic acid is associated with the development of hypercoagulation states if it is
combined with oral contraceptives or estrogens. Oral contraceptives do not increase the
risk of pregnancy, bleeding, or infertility.

Page 9

29.The nurse reviews the patient's lab values and determines warfarin therapy is at
therapeutic levels with what lab result?
A)
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 1.5 to 2.5 times the control
B)
Prothrombin time (PT) 1.3 to 1.5 times the control
C)
International normalized ratio (INR) of 3 to 4
D)
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) 3 to 4 times the control
Ans:
B
Feedback:
Warfarin is at therapeutic level when the INR is 2 to 3.5 and the PT is 1.3 to 1.5 times
control. PTT and aPTT should be 1.5 to 2.5 to indicate heparin dosage is at therapeutic
level.
30.The patient receives a new diagnosis of peripheral artery disease and the nurse anticipates
an order for what drug?
A)
Clopidogrel
B)
Persantine
C)
Aspirin
D)
Warfarin
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is indicated for the treatment of patients who are at risk for ischemic
events; patients with a history of myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or
ischemic stroke; and patients with acute coronary syndrome. Persantine, aspirin, and
warfarin would not be indicated for this patient.
31.The nurse admits a patient in acute respiratory distress secondary to pulmonary emboli.
What drug will the nurse administer to lyse the clots?
A)
Urokinase
B)
Tenecteplase
C)
Rivaroxaban
D)
Fondaparinux
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Urokinase is used for lysis of pulmonary emboli and treatment of coronary thrombosis.
Reteplase is used to treat coronary artery thrombosis associated with an acute myocardial
infarction. Rivaroxaban is used to prevent deep vein thromboses that may lead to
pulmonary emboli. Fondaparinux is used to treat and prevent venous thromboembolic
events.
32.The nurse is caring for a postpartum patient admitted to the intensive care unit with a
diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What is the drug of choice to
treat this problem?

Page 10

A)
B)
C)
D)
Ans:

Heparin
Urokinase
Aspirin
Warfarin
A
Feedback:
The treatment of choice for DIC is heparin, an anticoagulant. It prevents the clotting
phase from being completed, thus inhibiting the breakdown of fibrinogen. It may also
help avoid hemorrhage by preventing the body from depleting its entire store of
coagulation factors. None of the other medications listed in this question are indicated for
treatment of DIC and may, in fact, make the condition worse.

33.By what route will the nurse administer the antihemophilic agent to the patient with
hemophilia following a car accident?
A)
Oral
B)
Topical
C)
IV
D)
Sublingual
Ans:
C
Feedback:
All antihemophilic agents are administered IV and are not available for administration by
any other route.
34.The nurse administers agents that control bleeding to patients with hemophilia and what
other condition?
A)
Liver disease
B)
Lymes disease
C)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
D)
Pheochromocytoma
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Drugs to control bleeding are also given to patients with liver disease because liver
disease prohibits clotting factors and proteins needed for clotting from being produced in
adequate quantities. Lymes disease, DIC, and pheochromocytoma are not indications for
administration of agents to control bleeding.

A)
B)
C)
D)

35.The nurse is caring for a pediatric patient with hemophilia who receives antihemophilic
factor several times a year. What should this patient be regularly screened for? (Select all
that apply.)
HIV
Hepatitis
Anemia
Infection

Page 11

E)
Ans:

Cardiomyopathy
A, B, C
Feedback:
The most common adverse effects associated with antihemophilic agents involve risks
associated with the use of blood products (e.g., in a patient with hepatitis or AIDS).
Patients with hemophilia should also be monitored for anemia secondary to blood loss.
There is no associated risk for infection or cardiomyopathy.

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