A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a prosthetic aortic valve and takes warfarin daily at bedtime. Which of the following data is the priority finding for the nurse to report to the provider?
The client sprinkles flaxseeds on breakfast food every day.
The client keeps a small supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use.
The client uses garlic as a daily dietary supplement.
The client consistently eats fish for dinner twice weekly.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The client sprinkles flaxseeds on breakfast food every day. Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can have antithrombotic effects. However, their impact on INR (International Normalized Ratio), the measure of warfarin's anticoagulant effect, is not well-established. While it's important to monitor the client's dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin K or those with potential antithrombotic effects, such as flaxseeds, this is not the priority finding among the options provided.
B. The client keeps a small supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use. This is the correct answer. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, and the client should not keep a supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use. Warfarin's anticoagulant effect is carefully monitored through regular INR checks, and adjustments to the dosage are made accordingly. The presence of vitamin K tablets suggests a potential risk of self-adjusting warfarin dosage, which can lead to fluctuations in INR levels and increase the risk of thromboembolic or bleeding events.
C. The client uses garlic as a daily dietary supplement. Garlic is known to have potential antithrombotic effects and can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. However, its impact on INR levels may vary among individuals. While it's important to consider the use of garlic as a dietary supplement, it is not the priority finding among the options provided.
D. The client consistently eats fish for dinner twice weekly. Fish consumption, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or mackerel, can have antithrombotic effects and may affect INR levels. However, the client's consistent fish consumption is less likely to have a significant impact on warfarin therapy compared to the potential self-administration of vitamin K tablets.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Diminished effect from warfarin: This is unlikely because displacement of warfarin from protein binding sites would increase its concentration in the bloodstream, potentially leading to increased anticoagulant effects and toxicity.
B. Diminished effect from paroxetine: This is also unlikely because displacement of paroxetine from protein binding sites would increase its concentration in the bloodstream, potentially leading to increased pharmacological effects and toxicity.
C. Increased effect, and toxicity from paroxetine: If paroxetine displaces warfarin from protein binding sites, it can increase the concentration of free warfarin in the bloodstream, leading to increased anticoagulant effects and potential toxicity.
D. Increased effect, and toxicity from warfarin: Correct. If warfarin is displaced from protein binding sites by paroxetine, it can increase the concentration of free warfarin in the bloodstream, leading to increased anticoagulant effects and potential toxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Insert a urinary catheter to determine the residual urine. Inserting a urinary catheter may be necessary to accurately measure urinary output and assess for signs of urinary retention. However, the presence of hematuria suggests a potential bleeding complication related to heparin therapy. While monitoring urinary output is important, inserting a urinary catheter should not be the first action taken in response to hematuria. Other interventions to address the bleeding should be prioritized.
B. Hold the next dose of heparin and contact the physician. This is the correct answer. Hematuria can be a sign of a bleeding complication, which is a known side effect of heparin therapy. Holding the next dose of heparin is appropriate to prevent further bleeding, and contacting the physician ensures prompt evaluation and appropriate management of the patient's condition. The physician may decide to adjust the dose of heparin, temporarily discontinue it, or order further investigations to determine the cause of the hematuria.
C. Instruct the patient to drink adequate amounts of fluid. While maintaining hydration is important for overall health, instructing the patient to drink fluids would not directly address the underlying cause of hematuria, which may be related to a bleeding complication from heparin therapy. Holding the next dose of heparin and contacting the physician are more appropriate actions in response to hematuria.
D. Administer an additional dose of heparin subcutaneously. Administering additional heparin would exacerbate the bleeding risk and is contraindicated in the presence of hematuria. It is important to withhold further doses of heparin and seek medical guidance to address the bleeding complication.
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