Which medication prescription requires clarification from the health care provider?

Study for the UWorld Pharmacology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The prescription for alteplase in a patient with an ischemic stroke and high blood pressure raises significant concerns that warrant clarification. Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots in conditions such as ischemic stroke; however, its use is contraindicated in patients who have uncontrolled hypertension. Specifically, the presence of high blood pressure can elevate the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, which is a potentially life-threatening complication. The American Stroke Association guidelines recommend that the systolic blood pressure must be less than 185 mmHg and the diastolic less than 110 mmHg before the administration of alteplase. If a patient presents with elevated blood pressure above these thresholds, clarification is necessary to ensure that the treatment plan aligns with safety protocols and guidelines for thrombolytics.

Other medications mentioned in the options have clearer safety profiles within the specified contexts: amoxicillin is generally safe in pregnancy for respiratory infections, fentanyl can be prescribed with caution for postoperative pain even in the case of a codeine allergy, and sodium chloride 3% is a treatment for SIADH that can be used, but must be monitored carefully.

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