A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has atrial fibrillation and a prescription for warfarin. After informing the provider that the INR is 2.5, the nurse should expect which of the following prescriptions?
Decrease the dose of the medication.
Increase the dose of the medication.
Withhold the medication.
Administer the current dose of the medication.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Decrease the dose of the medication is incorrect. Lowering the dose could potentially drop the INR below the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Choice B Reason:
Increase the dose of the medication is incorrect. Raising the dose might push the INR above the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice C Reason:
Withhold the medication is incorrect. Withholding the medication might lead to inadequate anticoagulation and an increased risk of clot formation.
Choice D Reason:
Administer the current dose of the medication. An INR of 2.5 is within the therapeutic range for many indications, including atrial fibrillation. This means the blood is appropriately anticoagulated to prevent clot formation without an excessive risk of bleeding. In this scenario, maintaining the current dose of warfarin is often appropriate to sustain the desired therapeutic effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin is correct. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied to a clean, hairless area of the skin to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Hair can interfere with the patch's adherence and the absorption of nitroglycerin into the bloodstream. The site chosen should be rotated to prevent skin irritation or tolerance development. Commonly used areas include the chest, upper arms, or torso, but it's important to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Apply a 4x4 dressing over the patch is incorrect. Covering the nitroglycerin patch with a dressing may interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. These patches are designed to be applied directly to the skin without covering.
Choice C Reason:
Apply the patch to the same site every 24 hr is incorrect. Repeatedly applying the patch to the same site increases the risk of skin irritation or tolerance to the medication. It's crucial to rotate patch sites to avoid these issues.
Choice D Reason:
Apply the patch to a bony prominence on the chest is incorrect. Nitroglycerin patches should not be placed on bony prominences because these areas can be uncomfortable and may not provide optimal absorption. Instead, they are typically applied to relatively flat, hairless areas of the skin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Rotate the application site every week is correct. Rotating the application site is essential to prevent skin irritation or sensitization. Advising the client to apply the patch to a different area of clean, dry, non-hairy skin each time helps reduce the risk of skin irritation at the application site.
Choice B Reason:
The transdermal patch can cause insomnia is incorrect. Insomnia is a potential side effect of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches, including transdermal nicotine patches, but it's not a universal side effect for everyone using the patch.
Choice C Reason:
Leave the patch in place for 8 hr. each day is incorrect. Transdermal nicotine patches are typically worn for 16–24 hours each day, depending on the specific product instructions. Leaving the patch on for a shorter duration might reduce its effectiveness in supporting smoking cessation.
Choice D Reason:
The transdermal patch releases nicotine rapidly into the bloodstream is incorrect. Transdermal nicotine patches deliver nicotine slowly through the skin into the bloodstream over an extended period rather than providing a rapid release. This gradual release helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation.
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