Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute ischemic cerebrovascular event due to a thrombus in a cerebral vessel. which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer? alteplase aspirin clopidogrel heparin

Explanation:

• Alteplase: A thrombolytic agent that dissolves clots (thrombi) by activating plasminogen to plasmin, which breaks down fibrin. In acute ischemic cerebrovascular events (like ischemic stroke due to thrombus), restoring blood flow promptly is crucial. Alteplase is used within a specific time window (usually 4.5 - 6 hours from symptom onset, depending on guidelines) to dissolve the clot blocking the cerebral vessel.
• Aspirin: An anti - platelet drug. While it helps prevent further platelet aggregation, it does not dissolve an existing thrombus. It is often given after the acute phase (e.g., after thrombolytic therapy if appropriate) for secondary prevention.
• Clopidogrel: Another anti - platelet agent. Similar to aspirin, its role is in preventing platelet - mediated thrombosis (e.g., in long - term management of patients at risk of ischemic events, not for dissolving an acute thrombus).
• Heparin: An anticoagulant. It prevents the extension of an existing clot and the formation of new clots by interfering with the coagulation cascade. But it does not dissolve the pre - existing thrombus.

Answer:

Alteplase