Question

A client is being discharged following an acute myocardial infarction (acute MI) with stent placement. The nurse is preparing to perform teaching about medications. Which anti-platelet drug should the nurse anticipate the client will be prescribed?

Select one:
a. Clopidogrel (Plavix).
b. Enoxaparin (Lovenox).
c. Alteplase (Activase)
d. Metoprolol (Lopressor).

Answer 1

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is the anti-platelet drug a nurse should expect to be prescribed to a client after an acute MI with stent placement, often used in combination with aspirin for dual anti-platelet therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The anti-platelet drug a nurse should anticipate a client will be prescribed after discharge following an acute myocardial infarction (acute MI) with stent placement is Clopidogrel (Plavix). This medication, often prescribed alongside aspirin in a dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT), is intended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events more effectively than aspirin alone. This combination is particularly important in patients who have undergone stent placements to ensure that the stent remains patent (open) by preventing clot formation that can lead to stent thrombosis.

Following a stent placement, anti-platelet therapy is crucial in the management and prevention of further cardiovascular incidents. Clopidogrel is part of a treatment regimen that may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and smoking cessation, as well as other medications like statins and blood pressure reduction drugs to manage overall cardiovascular risk.