Question

A thrombolytic is administered in the hospital emergency department to a client who has had a myocardial infarction. The client's spouse asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. The nurse bases the response on which fact regarding this medication?

1.Thrombolytics suppress the production of fibrin.
2.Thrombolytics act to prevent thrombus formation.
3.Thrombolytics act to dissolve thrombi that have already formed. 4.Thrombolytics have been proved to reverse all detrimental effects of heart attacks.

Answer 1

Thrombolytics are administered to dissolve existing clots, particularly in the case of a myocardial infarction, by converting plasminogen into plasmin.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thrombolytics act dissolve thrombi that have already formed, which is a crucial intervention during a myocardial infarction (MI). These agents work by converting plasminogen to plasmin, the primary enzyme that breaks down clots. This process helps to restore normal blood flow as the vessel heals, benefiting patients who have suffered a thrombotic stroke or myocardial infarction. Among the various thrombolytic agents, tissue plasminogen activator is commonly used in clinical medicine. It's important to note that while thrombolytics can dissolve existing clots, they do not prevent thrombus formation, suppress the production of fibrin, or guarantee to reverse all detrimental effects of heart attacks.

Thrombolytic agents, also known as clot-busting drugs, are administered in the hospital emergency department to patients who have had a myocardial infarction (heart attack). These medications act to dissolve thrombi that have already formed in the blood vessels. By breaking down the thrombus, thrombolytics help to restore normal blood flow and prevent further damage to the heart. Therefore, the nurse can inform the client's spouse that the purpose of administering a thrombolytic medication is to dissolve the existing blood clot.