Therapeutic use of streptokinase is:

Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

Streptokinase is a thrombolytic enzyme used to break down blood clots (thrombi).
It is indicated for lysing thrombi in coronary arteries during a heart attack (myocardial infarction), as stated in option A.
It is also used to dissolve life-threatening clots in the lungs, known as pulmonary emboli, as stated in option B.
A further use is to restore the flow in blocked intravenous cannulas or catheters by dissolving fibrin clots, as stated in option C.
Since options A, B, and C are all valid therapeutic applications, 'All of the above' is the most comprehensive and correct choice.

Option A: This option is a correct use of streptokinase but is not the only one. The question asks for its therapeutic uses in a general sense, making this answer incomplete.
Option B: This option is a correct use of streptokinase but is not the only one. The question asks for its therapeutic uses in a general sense, making this answer incomplete.
Option C: This option is a correct use of streptokinase but is not the only one. The question asks for its therapeutic uses in a general sense, making this answer incomplete.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Therapeutic uses of streptokinase as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The most significant risk of streptokinase therapy is bleeding. Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring for any signs of bleeding, such as at IV sites, gums, or in urine/stool, and immediately report them.
Streptokinase is a protein derived from streptococci bacteria and can cause allergic reactions, including fever, rash, and even anaphylaxis. Patients should be monitored closely during and after infusion.
What if? If a patient has had a recent streptococcal infection or received streptokinase in the past (typically within 6-12 months), they may have developed antibodies. These antibodies can neutralize the drug, making it ineffective. In such cases, a different thrombolytic agent like alteplase (a recombinant t-PA) would be the preferred choice.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the drug 'streptokinase'.
Recall or determine the drug's class and primary function. Streptokinase is a thrombolytic (or fibrinolytic) agent, meaning its purpose is to dissolve blood clots.
Carefully evaluate each option to determine if it represents a logical application for a clot-dissolving drug.
Option A (dissolving clots in coronary arteries), Option B (dissolving clots in pulmonary arteries), and Option C (dissolving a clot blocking a cannula) are all scenarios where breaking down a thrombus is the therapeutic goal.
When multiple options appear to be correct individual applications of the drug, look for a comprehensive option like 'All of the above'.
Conclude that since A, B, and C are all confirmed uses, 'All of the above' is the most complete and correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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