A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation has contacted the clinic saying that she has accidentally overdosed on her prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should recognize the possible need for what antidote?

Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger. It is prescribed for clients who have atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or artificial heart valves.

The physician orders warfarin 10 mg PO to be administered to a client at 1800 today. The pharmacy only has 2.5 mg tablets available. To calculate the number of tablets that the nurse will administer, the nurse will divide the ordered dose by the available dose. The formula is:

Number of tablets = Ordered dose / Available dose

Number of tablets = 10 mg / 2.5 mg

Number of tablets = 4

Therefore, the nurse will administer 4 tablets of warfarin 2.5 mg PO to the client at 1800 today

A. Kyphosis and clubbing of the fingers:

Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the spine, which is not directly related to diminished breath sounds. Clubbing of the fingers is often associated with chronic respiratory conditions, but it is not directly linked to the finding of diminished breath sounds.

B. Dyspnea and hypoxemia:

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) are common symptoms in COPD, but diminished breath sounds may indicate an additional concern, such as pneumothorax or other complications.

C. Sepsis and pneumothorax:

Diminished breath sounds can be a sign of pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Sepsis is a risk in clients with COPD due to the potential for respiratory infections. Monitoring for these complications is crucial.

D. Bradypnea and pursed-lip breathing:

Bradypnea (slow breathing) and pursed-lip breathing are coping mechanisms that individuals with COPD may use to manage their breathing difficulties. While they are relevant in the context of COPD, they are not directly associated with the finding of diminished breath sounds.