Heparin is prescribed for a patient who has dilated cardiomyopathy has been admitted to the hospital with fatigue and orthopnea. Which statement is appropriate for the nurse to use in patient teaching about anticoagulation therapy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreased blood flow through the heart causes blood stasis and the formation of blood clots in the ventricles, which then may embolize. Anticoagulant therapy will not improve circulation to the skeletal muscles. The patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who is inactive may be at risk for deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, but this is not the usual reason for anticoagulation. There is no indication in the stem that the patient is immobile. Heparin will not decrease cardiac workload or decrease the patient's fatigue or orthopnea.

Heparin Is Prescribed for a Patient Who Has Dilated Cardiomyopathy