A Client Received Tissue Plasminogen Activator (T-PA)after a Myocardial Infarction

question 31

Multiple Choice

A client received tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) after a myocardial infarction and now is on an intravenous infusion of heparin.The client's spouse asks why the client needs this medication.What response by the nurse is best?

• A) "The t-PA didn't dissolve the entire coronary clot."
• B) "The heparin keeps that artery from getting blocked again."
• C) "Heparin keeps the blood as thin as possible for a longer time."
• D) "The heparin prevents a stroke from occurring as the t-PA wears off."

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Definitions:

Positive Reinforcement

The process of increasing the probability of a behavior by following it with a desirable event or outcome.

Likelihood

The probability or chance of an event occurring.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood that a behavior will occur.

Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the reinforcement or pairing of stimuli is removed.