The nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin (Amoxil) to a patient and learns that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking penicillin.
Which action will the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Platelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting. However, it is not specific to monitoring the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Choice B rationale

Activated thromboplastin time (APT) measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is typically used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.

Choice C rationale

Red blood count (RBC) measures the number of red blood cells in the blood, which can indicate anemia but is unrelated to the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Choice D rationale

Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) are specific tests used to monitor the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot, and INR standardizes this measurement to ensure consistency across different laboratories.

Choice A rationale

Asking the patient what time of day the medication is taken can help identify if taking it at a different time might alleviate sleep disturbances. SSRIs like sertraline can cause insomnia if taken later in the day.

Choice B rationale

Recommending a weekly dosage is inappropriate and could potentially disrupt the therapeutic effect. SSRIs should be taken daily, as prescribed.

Choice C rationale

Counseling the patient to take the medication at bedtime could worsen sleep disturbances, as sertraline may cause insomnia in some individuals. Timing should be adjusted based on patient response.

Choice D rationale

Suggesting a lower dose without consulting the provider may not address the issue effectively and could reduce the efficacy of the medication. Dosage adjustments should be made based on clinical assessment and provider recommendation.