A nurse is caring for a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor regularly?
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Platelet count
Prothrombin time (PT)
International normalized ratio (INR).
The Correct Answer is E
The nurse should monitor the INR regularly for a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin), which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. The INR is a standardized measure of the prothrombin time (PT), which reflects the time it takes for blood to clot. The INR should be between 2 and 3 for most patients on warfarin therapy, unless otherwise specified by the provider.
Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
It is not affected by warfarin therapy and does not indicate the risk of bleeding or clotting.
Choice B is wrong because hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.
It is also not affected by warfarin therapy and does not indicate the risk of bleeding or clotting.
Choice C is wrong because platelet count is the number of platelets in the blood.
Platelets are cell fragments that help with blood clotting by forming a plug at the site of injury.
Warfarin does not affect platelet production or function, but rather inhibits the clotting factors that are needed to stabilize the platelet plug.
Choice D is wrong because prothrombin time (PT) is the time it takes for blood to clot in the presence of a specific reagent.
It is affected by warfarin therapy, but it is not standardized and may vary depending on the reagent and the laboratory.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This statement indicates a need for further teaching because aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant.The patient should avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other pain relievers that do not affect blood clotting.
Choice A is wrong because it is a correct statement.The patient should avoid activities that could cause injury, such as contact sports, shaving with a razor, or using sharp objects, because they could lead to bleeding complications while on warfarin (Coumadin).
Choice C is wrong because it is a correct statement.The patient should report any unusual bleeding to their healthcare provider, such as nosebleeds, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding gums.
These could be signs of excessive anticoagulation or adverse effects of warfarin (Coumadin).
Choice D is wrong because it is a correct statement.The patient should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently to prevent gum bleeding while on warfarin (Coumadin).The patient should also avoid dental procedures without consulting their healthcare provider first.
The normal range for INR (international normalized ratio), a test that measures how long it takes blood to clot, is 0.75-1.25 for people who are not taking warfarin (Coumadin).For people who are taking warfarin (Coumadin), the therapeutic range is usually 2-3, depending on the condition being treated.The patient’s INR level should be monitored regularly to adjust the dose of warfarin (Coumadin) and prevent bleeding or clotting complications.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the INR regularly for a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin), which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. The INR is a standardized measure of the prothrombin time (PT), which reflects the time it takes for blood to clot.The INR should be between2 and 3for most patients on warfarin therapy, unless otherwise specified by the provider.
Choice A is wrong becausehemoglobinis the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
It is not affected by warfarin therapy and does not indicate the risk of bleeding or clotting.
Choice B is wrong becausehematocritis the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.
It is also not affected by warfarin therapy and does not indicate the risk of bleeding or clotting.
Choice C is wrong becauseplatelet countis the number of platelets in the blood.
Platelets are cell fragments that help with blood clotting by forming a plug at the site of injury.
Warfarin does not affect platelet production or function, but rather inhibits the clotting factors that are needed to stabilize the platelet plug.
Choice D is wrong becauseprothrombin time (PT)is the time it takes for blood to clot in the presence of a specific reagent.
It is affected by warfarin therapy, but it is not standardized and may vary depending on the reagent and the laboratory.
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