Which of the following fibrinolytic agents are used to treat a pulmonary embolism?
1. Urokinase
2. Vitamin K
3. Heparin
4. Streptokinase
a. 1, 4
b. 2, 3
c. 1, 3, 4
d. 1, 2, 3, 4
A
Fibrinolytic agents such as streptokinase (Streptase), urokinase (Abbokinase), alteplase (Activase), and reteplase (Retavase) actually dissolve blood clots. These agents (commonly referred to as "clot-busters") have proved beneficial in treating acute pulmonary embolism. Heparin is an anticoagulant, not a fibrinolytic. Vitamin K does affect clotting time but is not given therapeutically to break up an existing blood clot.
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The time required for plasma serum concentration levels of an absorbed and distributed drug to decrease by one-half is known as its:
a. Half-life. b. ED50. c. Max 50. d. Life 50.
Which of the following dangerous abbreviations or symbols is NOT on the Joint Commission's official "do NOT use" list?
MS QD mcg IU