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

What indicates a therapeutic effect of antiplatelet drugs?

1. Increased muscle pain

2. Decrease in clotting events

3. Heightened sensitivity to light

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Decrease in clotting events

Antiplatelet drugs are used to prevent blood clots from forming in the body. A therapeutic effect means that the drug is having a positive impact on the patient's health and is effectively treating the condition it was prescribed for. Increased muscle pain, heightened sensitivity to light, and increased appetite are not signs of a therapeutic effect. In fact, they may indicate negative side effects or other medical issues. A decrease in clotting events is the main indicator of a therapeutic effect as it means the drug is successfully preventing blood clots from forming.