The nurse is caring for a client who received a transfusion of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) for an acute GI bleed related to accidental wantarin overdose. Which laboratory result would indicate the need for an additional unit of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) to correct the problem caused by the overdose?

(Volume to be infused (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)) / Time (min).

For the patient prescribed 250 mL of packed red blood cells with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL over 120 minutes, the calculation would be (250 mL × 15 gtt/mL) / 120 min, which equals 31.25 gtt/min.

Therefore, the nurse should regulate the IV to 31 gtt/min.

A. Reporting the findings and anticipating a prescription for amiodarone may be necessary later, but the first step is to assess the patient's immediate condition (unresponsiveness, pulse status, etc.).
B. Although increasing monitor sensitivity and initiating a rapid response call might be helpful, these actions come after assessing the patient’s condition. If the patient is in distress or unresponsive, the nurse needs to check for a pulse and intervene right away.
C. This is a crucial action if the patient is unresponsive and pulseless (cardiac arrest). If the patient is found to be unresponsive and pulseless, starting chest compressions immediately and preparing for defibrillation is the next step. However, the first action is to check for pulse and responsiveness.
Why it's incorrect: Compressions and defibrillation are correct actions if the patient is pulseless, but before taking these steps, the nurse must assess the patient for responsiveness and check the carotid pulse. Starting CPR and preparing defibrillation without verifying the patient's condition could delay appropriate care.
D. Checking responsiveness and pulse is the most immediate and critical action because VT may be asymptomatic or cause deterioration, including cardiac arrest. Once pulse and responsiveness are determined, appropriate interventions (such as defibrillation or CPR) can be initiated quickly.