Thrombolytic agents
Thrombolytic agents ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving streptokinase, a first-generation thrombolytic agent, for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse observes that the client has developed a rash, fever, and hypotension after receiving the medication.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
The client has developed signs of an allergic reaction to streptokinase, which can be life-threatening. Streptokinase is a drug that can cause bleeding, allergic reactions, and general discomfort. Allergic reactions can include nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. The first step in managing anaphylaxis is to remove the trigger if possible.
Therefore, stopping the infusion of streptokinase is the most appropriate action.
Administering epinephrine is not the first action to take. Epinephrine is a medication that can help reduce an allergic response by constricting blood vessels and relaxing airways.
However, it should be used after stopping the infusion of streptokinase and only if the client has an auto-injector or a doctor’s order.
Notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.
The client needs immediate treatment to prevent shock and respiratory failure.
Calling 999 for an ambulance is more urgent than notifying the health care provider.
Drawing blood samples for antibody testing is not the first action to take.
Antibody testing can help diagnose a previous exposure to streptokinase, but it does not help in
The client has developed signs of an allergic reaction to streptokinase, which can be life-threatening. Streptokinase is a drug that can cause bleeding, allergic reactions, and general discomfort. Allergic reactions can include nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. The first step in managing anaphylaxis is to remove the trigger if possible.
Therefore, stopping the infusion of streptokinase is the most appropriate action.
Choice B is wrong because administering epinephrine is not the first action to take. Epinephrine is a medication that can help reduce an allergic response by constricting blood vessels and relaxing airways.
However, it should be used after stopping the infusion of streptokinase and only if the client has an auto-injector or a doctor’s order.
Choice C is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.
The client needs immediate treatment to prevent shock and respiratory failure.
Calling 999 for an ambulance is more urgent than notifying the health care provider.
Choice D is wrong because drawing blood samples for antibody testing is not the first action to take.
Antibody testing can help diagnose a previous exposure to streptokinase, but it does not help.