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
Reddish feet when put down could be a sign of dependent rubor, a condition that occurs due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). When the legs are in a dependent (downward) position, gravity aids in delivering blood to the area, causing a reddish color. However, this is a common symptom of PAD and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Loss of hair on the feet and legs is another symptom of PAD1. This happens because inadequate blood flow deprives the hair follicles of the nutrients they need to grow. While this symptom indicates worsening PAD, it does not warrant immediate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Applying a heating pad to cold legs could lead to burns because PAD can cause loss of sensation in the legs. This warrants immediate intervention to prevent injury.
Choice D rationale
Leg pain during walking, also known as claudication, is a common symptom of PAD1. This happens because the muscles are not getting enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow.
However, this symptom does not require immediate intervention but should be evaluated further.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
55-year-old woman with coronary artery disease. While patients with coronary artery disease often have multiple comorbidities and may be on medications that could interact with Penicillin G, there is no specific increased risk of adverse reactions to Penicillin G in this population.
Choice B rationale
21-year-old college senior who is being treated for Streptococcus. Penicillin G is often used to treat Streptococcus infections. There is no specific increased risk of adverse reactions in this population unless the patient has a known allergy to penicillins.
Choice C rationale
23-year-old woman who recently delivered and has mastitis. Penicillin G can be used to treat mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. There is no specific increased risk of adverse reactions in this population unless the patient has a known allergy to penicillins.
Choice D rationale
65-year-old man with dehydration. Dehydration can affect kidney function, and Penicillin G is excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, patients with dehydration or any other condition that reduces kidney function are at a higher risk of adverse reactions to Penicillin G3.
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.