A client who is taking warfarin has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 0.8. Which question should a nurse ask to further evaluate the client?
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?.
Are you taking the medication as prescribed?.
Have you noticed blood in your stools?.
Do you have any unusual bruising?.
The Correct Answer is B
Are you taking the medication as prescribed? This is because warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that affects the prothrombin time (PT) and the international normalized ratio (INR).
The PT measures how long it takes for blood to clot, and the INR is a calculation based on the PT that standardizes the results across different laboratories. A normal INR range is 0.8 to 1.1 for people who are not taking warfarin. People who take warfarin usually have a target INR range of 2 to 3, depending on their condition.
An INR of 0.8 means that the blood clots faster than normal, which increases the risk of blood clots and strokes.
This could indicate that the client is not taking enough warfarin or is taking other medications or foods that interfere with warfarin’s effect.
Choice A is wrong because bleeding gums are a sign of excessive bleeding, which could happen if the INR is too high, not too low.
Choice C is wrong because blood in stools is also a sign of excessive bleeding, which could happen if the INR is too high, not too low.
Choice D is wrong because unusual bruising is another sign of excessive bleeding, which could happen if the INR is too high, not too low.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because the nurse’s reply does not address the client’s fear of radiation therapy, but rather provides factual information that may not be relevant or helpful to the client.
The nurse is not using a therapeutic communication technique, such as reflecting, exploring, or validating the client’s feelings.
Instead, the nurse is shutting down the communication and missing an opportunity to learn more about the client’s concerns and needs.
Choice A is wrong because the nurse is not confronting a painful subject, but rather avoiding it.
The nurse is not acknowledging the client’s fear or inviting the client to talk more about it.
Choice C is wrong because the nurse is not recognizing that the client needs information, but rather assuming that the client does.
The nurse is not asking the client what he or she wants to know about radiation therapy, but rather telling the client what he or she should know.
Choice D is wrong because the nurse is not perceiving that the client is ready to hear more about the treatment, but rather imposing information on the client.
The nurse is not assessing the client’s readiness to learn, but rather giving unsolicited advice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should first assess the client’s bladder for distention by palpating the lower abdomen between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.
This can indicate urinary retention, which is a common postoperative complication. The nurse should also measure the bladder volume using a bladder scanner if available.
Choice B. Inform the surgeon that the client’s status is wrong because the nurse should first assess the client before notifying the surgeon.
The surgeon may order interventions based on the assessment findings.
Choice C. Increasing the client’s fluid intake is wrong because increasing fluid intake may worsen bladder distention and discomfort.
The nurse should encourage fluid intake only after ensuring adequate urinary output.
Choice D. Administering pain medication is wrong because pain medication may not be indicated for urinary retention.
Pain medication may also cause urinary retention by relaxing the bladder muscles and impairing the micturition reflex.
Normal urine output is about 30 mL per hour or 240 mL in eight hours.
The nurse should monitor the client’s intake and output and report any signs of urinary retention to the surgeon.
Urinary retention can lead to infection, bladder damage, and renal impairment if not treated promptly.
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