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

What effect does desmopressin have in the body?

1. It decreases plasma factor VIII concentration

2. It inhibits the breakdown of fibrin

3. It causes a dose-dependent increase in plasma factor VIII concentration

4. It reduces the plasma concentration of tissue plasminogen activator

The correct answer is: It causes a dose-dependent increase in plasma factor VIII concentration

Desmopressin is a synthetic hormone that is used to mimic the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the body. It works by binding to specific receptors in the kidneys, causing them to retain more water and produce less urine. This can be beneficial in conditions such as diabetes insipidus, where the body is unable to produce enough ADH. Option A, decreasing plasma factor VIII concentration, is incorrect because desmopressin actually causes an increase in this clotting factor. Option B, inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin, is also incorrect as desmopressin does not directly affect the breakdown of fibrin. Option D, reducing the plasma concentration of tissue plasminogen activator, is also incorrect as desmopressin does not have an effect on this enzyme involved in blood clot breakdown. Option C is the correct