A patient on warfarin is found to have an INR of 5.0. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
Administer vitamin K per provider's orders.
Increase the dose of warfarin and monitor INR more frequently per provider's orders.
Discontinue warfarin and administer a dose of heparin per provider's orders.
Continue warfarin and monitor for any symptoms of bleeding per provider's orders.
The Correct Answer is A
A. An INR of 5.0 indicates a significantly increased risk of bleeding, and administering vitamin K is the appropriate antidote for reversing the effects of warfarin. This is a critical intervention to restore coagulation.
B. Increasing the dose of warfarin is inappropriate in this scenario because the INR is already elevated; it would further increase bleeding risk.
C. While heparin can be used for anticoagulation, it is not appropriate to administer it while the INR is dangerously high without reversing the warfarin first.
D. Continuing warfarin is unsafe at this INR level due to the high risk of bleeding; monitoring for symptoms without intervention is not adequate care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Maintain good oral hygiene to minimize dry mouth is correct; good oral hygiene practices can help alleviate dry mouth, which is a common anticholinergic effect.
B. Void before taking the medication so urinary hesitation is less problematic is correct; this strategy can help manage urinary retention, another potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants.
C. Avoid situations where bruising or lacerations are a possibility is incorrect; while caution is always advisable, this statement does not directly relate to anticholinergic effects.
D. Eat several small meals daily rather than three larger meals is correct; smaller meals can help mitigate gastrointestinal side effects and maintain steady blood sugar levels.
E. Use caution in situations where it may be possible to become overheated is correct; anticholinergic medications can impair thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Spontaneous bleeding after taking an anticoagulant is a secondary action that occurs due to the anticoagulant's effect on blood clotting, which is an undesired effect when it leads to excessive bleeding.
B. Dizziness after starting an antihypertensive is a common secondary action related to the lowering of blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension and resultant dizziness.
C. Drowsiness after taking an antihistamine is a well-known secondary action, especially with first-generation antihistamines, which can cause sedation as a side effect.
D. Diarrhea after taking an antibiotic is a secondary action that can occur due to disruption of the normal gut flora, leading to gastrointestinal upset. All these examples illustrate secondary effects of medications.
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