The left main coronary artery rapidly divides into the:

You and a fellow patroller respond to a snowboard injury in a 12-year-old boy who fell on his outstretched arm. His left wrist is swollen and ecchymotic. A radial pulse is readily palpated, and the skin on the hand is warm to the touch. Which of the following instructions to your partner indicates that you have a proper understanding of the care for this patient's arm?

a. "After we splint his wrist, we will need to apply a sling and swathe to prevent further movement." b. "When you splint that arm, make sure that it is somewhat loose so the patient can move it if he becomes uncomfortable." c. "Make sure to wrap that splint as tightly as you can; we need a lot of pressure to prevent additional swelling." d. "Since he still has a pulse in the arm, the swelling must be from a muscle injury. We can forego the splint and just apply ice packs."

Why does a patient who had a thrombotic incident receive both heparin and Coumadin for 4-5 days before heparin is discontinued?

a. Heparin is not effective as an anticoagulant without Coumadin. b. Coumadin requires heparin for its full anticoagulant effect. c. Coumadin and heparin have a synergistic effect d. Coumadin 's full effect is not achieved for 4- days after initiation because of the half-life of the vitamin K coagulation factors.