A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is taking warfarin. Which of the following laboratory tests determines if the dose of medication is within the recommended target range?

Choice A reason: Supplementing breastfeedings with water every 12 hours is not advised for newborns, as breast milk provides complete hydration and nutrition. Water can reduce milk intake, decreasing supply due to reduced demand. It risks electrolyte imbalances, like hyponatremia, in infants with immature kidneys. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months supports optimal growth, immune function, and maternal-infant bonding, making this recommendation inappropriate.
Choice B reason: Offering the breast at hunger cues, such as rooting or hand-sucking, supports demand-driven breastfeeding, which stimulates prolactin and oxytocin for milk production. This ensures adequate supply, promotes healthy weight gain, and aligns with the infant’s natural feeding rhythm. It prevents over- or under-feeding, fostering neonatal development and strengthening the maternal-infant bond, making this the correct advice.
Choice C reason: Limiting feeding to 10 minutes per breast can prevent adequate hindmilk transfer, which is high in fat and calories, essential for growth. Short sessions may reduce milk supply due to insufficient stimulation. Infants need variable feeding times to meet nutritional needs. This restriction risks poor weight gain and inadequate nutrition, indicating it’s not a suitable recommendation.
Choice D reason: Starting each feeding with the same breast can cause imbalanced milk production, as one breast may be understimulated, reducing overall supply. Alternating breasts ensures both are drained, supporting balanced lactation and preventing engorgement or mastitis. This practice maintains milk supply via prolactin release, making this advice incorrect for optimal breastfeeding.

Choice A reason: Encouraging a final hemodialysis treatment contradicts the client’s advance directives, which refuse life-sustaining treatments. Respecting autonomy is paramount, and persuading the client undermines their decision, making this action unethical and inappropriate in this end-of-life scenario.
Choice B reason: Contacting the family to discuss the decision is unnecessary unless the client is incapacitated, which is not indicated. The client’s advance directives guide care, and family input is secondary to the client’s wishes, making this action incorrect and irrelevant.
Choice C reason: Discussing treatment options with the surrogate is inappropriate, as the client is competent and has clear advance directives refusing treatment. The surrogate’s role applies only if the client cannot decide, making this action misaligned with the client’s autonomy and directives.
Choice D reason: Discussing discharge options respects the client’s refusal of treatment and advance directives, focusing on palliative care or home arrangements. This supports autonomy and aligns with end-of-life care principles, ensuring comfort and dignity, making it the correct action.