A nurse is preparing to administer warfarin to a client who has chronic atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor prior to administering the medication?

Choice A Reason:
Preparing the sterile dressing supplies 30 min before the dressing change is correct. While it's crucial to have all supplies ready before starting the procedure, preparing them 30 minutes in advance might not align with the principles of maintaining sterility. It's generally best to prepare sterile supplies just before the procedure to minimize the risk of contamination.
Choice B Reason:
Don sterile gloves before removing the dressing is incorrect. Sterile gloves should indeed be worn during the dressing change, but they should be put on after removing the old dressing. This ensures that the clean gloves don't touch potentially contaminated surfaces during the removal of the old dressing.
Choice C Reason:
Disinfect the wound bed with alcohol before applying tape is incorrect. Using alcohol to disinfect the wound bed is not recommended as it can cause tissue irritation and delay wound healing. Sterile saline or another wound cleansing solution prescribed for wound care would be more appropriate to clean the wound bed. Additionally, applying tape directly to the wound is generally avoided to prevent further damage to the fragile tissues of a pressure ulcer.
Choice D Reason:
Offering the client pain medication before the procedure is correct. Providing pain medication before the procedure ensures the client's comfort and helps manage any discomfort or pain associated with the dressing change, particularly when dealing with a stage III pressure ulcer, which can be quite sensitive.

Choice A Reason:
Refill the prescription every 12 months. This statement focuses on the frequency of prescription refills rather than guidance on the medication's use. While it's important to keep prescriptions up to date, this instruction doesn't directly relate to the administration or use of sublingual nitroglycerin for angina.
Choice B Reason:
Take a second tablet after 5 minutes for unrelieved chest pain. This advice is crucial because if the chest pain persists after the first tablet, taking a second tablet after 5 minutes (and seeking emergency medical assistance if pain persists after the second tablet) is part of the recommended protocol for managing unstable angina with sublingual nitroglycerin.
Choice C Reason:
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve under the tongue, not to be swallowed. The medicine is absorbed through the blood vessels in the mouth to provide rapid relief for angina symptoms. Instructing the patient to swallow the tablet defeats the purpose of sublingual administration.
Choice D Reason:
Store the medication in the refrigerator. Nitroglycerin should generally be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, but refrigeration is not necessary. Storing it in the refrigerator might actually alter the medication's effectiveness or consistency, making it less reliable for quick absorption when needed during an angina episode.