Questions and Answers
Which of the following are thrombolytic drugs? (Select all that apply)
What do thrombolytic drugs do?
Break down, or lyse, preformed clots.
What is TPA used for?
To relieve stroke symptoms when given within 6 hours pre-stroke.
What is the mechanism of action of thrombolytic drugs?
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What are some indications for thrombolytic therapy? (Select all that apply)
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What are some adverse effects of thrombolytic drugs?
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What nursing implications should be followed when administering thrombolytic drugs?
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What should a nurse do first if they notice slight bleeding from a site after thrombolytic therapy?
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Study Notes
Thrombolytic Drugs Overview
- Thrombolytic drugs are designed to break down and lyse existing clots in blood vessels.
- Older thrombolytics include streptokinase and urokinase, while current options include anistreplase (Eminase), alteplase (Activase), reteplase (Retavase), and tenecteplase (TNKase).
TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)
- Administer TPA within 6 hours of stroke onset to relieve symptoms and improve outcomes.
Mechanism of Action
- Thrombolytics activate the fibrinolytic system to swiftly dissolve clots.
- They convert plasminogen to plasmin, which digests fibrin, enabling restored blood flow to the heart muscle via coronary arteries and preventing tissue damage.
Indications for Use
- Indicated for:
- Acute myocardial infarction (MI)
- Arterial thrombolysis
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Occlusion of catheters or shunts
- Pulmonary embolus
- Acute ischemic stroke
Adverse Effects
- Common adverse effects include various types of bleeding:
- Internal bleeding
- Intracranial bleeding
- Superficial bleeding
- Other possible effects are nausea, vomiting, hypotension, anaphylactoid reactions, and cardiac dysrhythmias which may pose risks.
Nursing Implications
- Strictly adhere to manufacturer guidelines for drug preparation and administration.
- Monitor IV sites for signs of bleeding, redness, or pain.
- Observe for bleeding from gums, mucous membranes, nose, and injection sites.
- Watch for signs of internal bleeding such as decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and restlessness.
Patient Care in Thrombolytic Therapy
- In case of slight bleeding from an IV site during thrombolytic treatment for acute MI, apply pressure to the site with a gauze pad as the first intervention.
- Superficial bleeding is common and does not necessitate stopping thrombolytic therapy, but continuous monitoring of all insertion sites remains critical.
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Description
This quiz provides essential definitions and mechanisms of thrombolytic drugs, useful for students in pharmacology or medicine. Familiarize yourself with older and current thrombolytic agents such as TPA and their functions. Enhance your understanding of their applications in stroke treatment.
