The nurse is preparing to administer a client’s warfarin sodium 5 mg PO at 1900. Upon entering the client’s room, the nurse finds several large, new ecchymotic areas on the client’s extremities.
What should be the nurse’s initial action?
Hold the warfarin until the next day’s dose and notify the laboratory.
Administer the daily dose of warfarin and notify the healthcare provider so tomorrow’s dose can be adjusted.
Administer the daily dose of warfarin as these are the expected side effects of the medication.
Hold the warfarin until the healthcare provider is notified of the assessment findings.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While holding the warfarin and notifying the laboratory could be appropriate actions in some situations, they would not address the immediate concern of the large, new ecchymotic areas on the client’s extremities.
Choice B rationale
Administering the daily dose of warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider for a dose adjustment the next day could potentially exacerbate the bleeding risk, given the presence of the large, new ecchymotic areas.
Choice C rationale
Large, new ecchymotic areas are not expected side effects of warfarin. They could indicate a serious problem such as excessive anticoagulation.
Choice D rationale
The presence of large, new ecchymotic areas could indicate excessive anticoagulation, which is a serious complication of warfarin therapy. Therefore, holding the warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider of the assessment findings would be the most appropriate initial action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heparin does not actually thin the blood or make it less thick. Instead, it works by increasing the activity of antithrombin, a protein that inhibits blood clotting. This prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger.
Choice B rationale
Heparin does not dissolve clots or decrease the formation of platelets. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa, two key players in the blood clotting process.
Choice C rationale
This statement is accurate. Heparin does not thin the blood; instead, it prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger. It does this by increasing the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.
Choice D rationale
Heparin does not decrease the number of platelets or make the blood flow more easily. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Injecting the insulin syringe at a 90-degree angle is a technique used to ensure that the insulin is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue. However, this does not specifically prevent lipodystrophy.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding the deltoid when injecting insulin is not typically a recommendation for preventing lipodystrophy. Insulin is usually injected into the fatty tissue just under the skin in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms.
Choice C rationale
Rotating injection sites correctly is a key strategy for preventing lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy refers to abnormal changes in the fat tissue under the skin and can be caused by repeatedly injecting insulin into the same spot.
Choice D rationale
Massaging the injection site is not typically recommended as it can cause the insulin to be absorbed too quickly.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.