A client with atrial fibrillation receives a new prescription for dabigatran. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan?
Eliminate spinach and other green vegetables in the diet.
Continue obtaining scheduled laboratory bleeding tests.
Keep an antidote available in the event of hemorrhage.
Avoid use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Spinach and other green vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. However, dabigatran is not affected by vitamin K intake, unlike warfarin, another anticoagulant drug. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate these foods from the diet.
Choice B reason: Dabigatran does not require routine laboratory monitoring of bleeding parameters, such as prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR), unlike warfarin. Therefore, the client does not need to continue obtaining scheduled laboratory bleeding tests.
Choice C reason: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor that prevents the formation of fibrin, the main component of blood clots. In case of a major bleeding event, the antidote for dabigatran is idarucizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to dabigatran and reverses its effect. However, this antidote is not readily available in most settings and should only be administered by a health care provider. Therefore, the client should not keep an antidote available at home.
Choice D reason: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can increase the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet aggregation and damaging the gastric mucosa. Therefore, the client should avoid using these drugs while taking dabigatran. The client should consult with the prescriber before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter or herbal products.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Muscle tenderness is a sign of myopathy, a rare but serious adverse effect of atorvastatin and other statins. Myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness, pain, and elevated CK levels. CK is an enzyme that is released when muscle tissue is damaged. The nurse should monitor the client for muscle tenderness and report any changes to the prescriber.
Choice B reason: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of atorvastatin, but they are not related to CK levels. The nurse should advise the client to take the medication with food and fluids to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Choice C reason: Excessive bruising is not a typical side effect of atorvastatin, nor is it associated with CK levels. The nurse should assess the client for other possible causes of bleeding, such as coagulation disorders, trauma, or drug interactions.
Choice D reason: Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not related to CK levels. The nurse should assess the client for other signs of fluid retention, such as weight gain, shortness of breath, or jugular venous distension. The nurse should also check the client's blood pressure and heart rate, as peripheral edema may indicate heart failure or hypertension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing a heating pad to the client may provide some temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying cause of the neck discomfort, which is likely due to extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) of the antipsychotic medication.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for physical therapy services may be beneficial for the client's overall health and well-being, but it is not the best intervention for the acute problem of neck discomfort. Physical therapy may also require a referral and a waiting period, which would delay the relief for the client.
Choice C reason: Giving a PRN prescription for benztropine is the best intervention for the nurse to implement, as benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that can counteract the EPS of the antipsychotic medication. Benztropine can reduce the muscle stiffness and spasms that cause the neck discomfort.
Choice D reason: Obtaining an extra pillow for the client to use at night may help the client sleep better, but it does not address the neck discomfort during the day. It also does not treat the EPS of the antipsychotic medication, which may worsen over time.
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