Question

Which pharmacologic therapy is used to decrease blood viscosity and improve red blood cell (RBC) flexibility in clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

1) Clopidogrel (Plavix)
2) Aspirin
3) Pentoxifylline (Trental)
4) Cilostazol (Pletal)

Answer 1

Pentoxifylline (Trental) is the medication used to decrease blood viscosity and improve red blood cell flexibility in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pharmacologic therapy used to decrease blood viscosity and improve red blood cell (RBC) flexibility in clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is Pentoxifylline (Trental). Pentoxifylline is a medication that decreases the thickness (viscosity) of blood and improves its flow properties, particularly in the microcirculation. This can be beneficial in conditions like PVD, where blood flow can be compromised due to narrowed or blocked arteries.

While options such as Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Aspirin are antiplatelet agents used to prevent blood clots, and Cilostazol (Pletal) has a mechanism that includes vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation, they primarily function to prevent clots rather than reducing blood viscosity or improving RBC flexibility.