A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to assess the medication’s effectiveness?
Platelet count
International normalized ratio (INR)
Hemoglobin level
Serum potassium
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Platelet count assesses bleeding risk but does not measure warfarin’s anticoagulant effect. Warfarin inhibits clotting factors, monitored by INR. Platelet counts are relevant for antiplatelet drugs, not anticoagulants, making INR the priority for evaluating warfarin efficacy in atrial fibrillation.
Choice B reason: INR measures warfarin’s anticoagulant effect by assessing prothrombin time, reflecting vitamin K-dependent clotting factor inhibition. In atrial fibrillation, therapeutic INR (2.0–3.0) prevents thromboembolism. Monitoring INR ensures effective anticoagulation, making it the critical lab value for warfarin therapy management.
Choice C reason: Hemoglobin level detects bleeding, a warfarin side effect, but does not assess its therapeutic effect. INR directly evaluates anticoagulation, ensuring stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Hemoglobin is secondary, monitored for complications, not efficacy, making INR the priority lab value.
Choice D reason: Serum potassium is unrelated to warfarin’s anticoagulant action. Electrolyte imbalances may affect cardiac rhythm in atrial fibrillation, but INR measures warfarin’s effect on clotting factors, ensuring therapeutic anticoagulation, making it the essential value to monitor for medication efficacy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Priming an ipratropium inhaler typically requires 2 pumps, not 7, to ensure proper dosing. Excessive priming wastes medication and may reduce the inhaler’s lifespan. This action indicates misunderstanding of device preparation, necessitating further teaching to ensure effective administration and therapeutic outcomes.
Choice B reason: Attaching a spacer device enhances ipratropium delivery by improving aerosol deposition in the lungs, especially in COPD patients with poor inhalation technique. This is correct, as spacers reduce oropharyngeal deposition, minimizing side effects and maximizing bronchodilation, requiring no additional teaching.
Choice C reason: Storing ipratropium at room temperature is correct, as extreme temperatures can degrade the medication’s efficacy. This action aligns with manufacturer guidelines, ensuring the inhaler’s stability and effectiveness, indicating proper understanding and eliminating the need for further teaching on storage.
Choice D reason: Rinsing the mouth after ipratropium use is appropriate, as it reduces local side effects like dry mouth or throat irritation from residual medication. This correct action prevents complications, showing proper technique and understanding, so no additional teaching is required for this step.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sexual dysfunction is a common SSRI side effect, as increased serotonin inhibits sexual arousal and orgasm. Monitoring is critical, as it affects adherence in depression treatment, requiring dose adjustments or alternative therapies, making it the priority side effect to assess.
Choice B reason: Hypotension is less common with SSRIs, though orthostatic changes may occur. Sexual dysfunction is more frequent, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence in depression, making it the priority to monitor, as it directly affects patient compliance and outcomes.
Choice C reason: Hyperglycemia is not a typical SSRI side effect, though metabolic changes are rare. Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue, reducing adherence in depression treatment, making it the priority to monitor, as it significantly impacts patient satisfaction and therapy continuation.
Choice D reason: Peripheral edema is rare with SSRIs, which primarily affect serotonin pathways. Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, compromising adherence in depression management, making it the priority to monitor, as it directly influences treatment success and patient well-being.
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