Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is primarily used to?

1. Increase blood coagulation

2. Decrease risk of thrombotic stroke

3. Treat bacterial infections

4. Act as a pain reliever

The correct answer is: Decrease risk of thrombotic stroke

Clopidogrel or Plavix is a medication that works by preventing platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots. This helps to decrease the risk of thrombotic stroke, which is when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Option A, increasing blood coagulation, is incorrect because clopidogrel does the opposite - it decreases blood clotting. Option C, treating bacterial infections, is incorrect because this medication does not have antibacterial properties. Option D, acting as a pain reliever, is also incorrect as clopidogrel is not used to treat pain. It is important to note that clopidogrel is not a substitute for aspirin and should not be used for pain relief.