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 {"dropdown-group-1":"B"}
Explanation
A. Minutes: This is too short a timeframe for warfarin's effect. It takes longer for the body's existing clotting factors to be depleted.
B. Days: This medication works by inhibiting the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. As existing clotting factors are used up and new ones aren't produced as efficiently, it takes time for the anticoagulant effect to become significant.
C. Weeks: While the full effect might take some time (around 3-5 days), several weeks is an overestimation for most patients.
D. Hours: A few hours might show some initial effect, but it's not enough time for a substantial anticoagulant effect. It usually takes at least a day or two.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Trombin (Evithrom): Incorrect: Thrombin (also known as factor IIa) is not typically used as a hemostatic drug. It is involved in the final step of the coagulation cascade, converting fibrinogen to fibrin to form a stable clot. However, it is not administered directly as a medication.
B. Aminocaproic acid (Amicar): Aminocaproic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent commonly used to control bleeding. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin clots, thus promoting hemostasis. It is particularly useful in situations where excessive bleeding occurs due to impaired clot dissolution. However, tranexamic acid is generally considered more potent and has a longer-lasting effect, making it the preferred choice in many situations.
C. Aspirin: Incorrect: Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation. While it can reduce the risk of clot formation, it is not primarily used for controlling postoperative bleeding.
D. Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron): Correct: Tranexamic acid is another antifibrinolytic agent that helps prevent excessive bleeding. It works by blocking the breakdown of fibrin clots. Tranexamic acid is commonly used in surgical settings to manage bleeding during and after procedures.
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