A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
If he misses a dose, he should double the dose at the next scheduled time.
The client should use an electric razor while on this medication.
Mild nosebleeds are common during initial treatment.
Warfarin increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis.
The Correct Answer is B
A. If he misses a dose, he should double the dose at the next scheduled time: This statement is incorrect. Doubling the dose of warfarin after missing a dose can significantly increase the risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. The nurse should emphasize the importance of taking the medication as prescribed and what to do if a dose is missed, such as contacting the healthcare provider for guidance.
B. The client should use an electric razor while on this medication: This statement is correct. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it's essential for patients taking warfarin to avoid activities that may increase the risk of injury or bleeding, such as shaving with a traditional razor that can cause cuts or nicks. Using an electric razor reduces this risk.
C. Mild nosebleeds are common during initial treatment: This statement is not entirely accurate. While warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, including nosebleeds, it's not necessarily common during the initial treatment phase. However, patients should be aware of signs of bleeding and report them to their healthcare provider promptly.
D. Warfarin increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis: This statement is incorrect. Warfarin is actually prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke, in patients who are at risk for these conditions. It works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. Therefore, it does not increase the risk of DVT; rather, it decreases it.
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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 A
Explanation
A. Platelets 74,000/mm: A platelet count of 74,000/mm³ is significantly lower than the normal range (typically 150,000 to 450,000/mm³). This could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious adverse effect of heparin therapy where the immune system forms antibodies against heparin bound to platelet factor 4, leading to a decrease in platelets and increased risk of thrombosis. This is a critical finding and should be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and potential adjustment of the treatment plan.
B. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³: This is within the normal range (typically 4,000 to 11,000/mm³) and does not indicate an immediate problem related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism management.
C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds: While slightly elevated, this PTT is within the therapeutic range for a patient receiving IV heparin (typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value, or about 45 to 70 seconds). This indicates that the heparin is having the desired anticoagulant effect.
D. Hematocrit 45%: This is within the normal range for adults (typically 38-50% for men and 35-45% for women) and does not indicate an immediate concern related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism.
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