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:

Experiences nocturia is incorrect. Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate) is a common symptom and, while it's important to address for the client's comfort and potential underlying causes, it doesn't pose an immediate risk to the client's roommate or necessitate urgent intervention in a shared room setting.

Choice B Reason:

History of generalized anxiety disorder is incorrect. A history of generalized anxiety disorder is relevant to the client's mental health and overall care. However, in the context of a shared room, it might not require immediate attention or interventions that directly impact the roommate's health or safety.

Choice C Reason:

Recent exposure to tuberculosis is correct. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In a shared room, a history of recent exposure to TB is a significant concern as it poses a potential risk to both the client and the roommate. Immediate measures to prevent transmission and ensure proper isolation protocols are necessary to protect the health of both individuals in the shared space.

Choice D Reason:

Reports periodic migraine headaches is correct.

Periodic migraine headaches are a health concern for the client experiencing them, but they typically do not pose an immediate risk or concern for the client's roommate. While addressing pain management is important, it might not require immediate action in the shared room environment.

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.