A client is discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which discharge instruction should the nurse emphasize to the client?
Take a multi-vitamin supplement daily.
Use an astringent for superficial bleeding.
Add large amounts of spinach to the diet.
Avoid going barefoot, especially outside.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Taking a multi-vitamin supplement daily is not a necessary instruction for a client taking warfarin, which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and prevents blood clots. However, some vitamins, such as vitamin K, vitamin E, and vitamin C, can interact with warfarin and affect its effectiveness. Patients should consult their health care provider before taking any supplements or herbal products.
Choice B reason: Using an astringent for superficial bleeding is not a sufficient instruction for a client taking warfarin, which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and prevents blood clots. Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, both internally and externally. Patients should report any signs of bleeding, such as bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts or wounds, to their health care provider. They should also avoid activities or products that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as shaving with a razor, using dental floss, or taking aspirin or NSAIDs.
Choice C reason: Adding large amounts of spinach to the diet is an incorrect instruction for a client taking warfarin, which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and prevents blood clots. Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamin K, which can counteract the effect of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. Patients should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods and avoid sudden changes in their diet.
Choice D reason: Avoiding going barefoot, especially outside, is a correct instruction for a client taking warfarin, which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and prevents blood clots. Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, both internally and externally. Patients should protect their feet from injury or infection by wearing shoes or slippers at all times.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement indicates understanding of naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Naloxone can be administered by different routes, depending on the availability and urgency of the situation. Intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes are all acceptable ways to give naloxone.
Choice B reason: This statement also indicates understanding of naloxone. Naloxone works best on pure agonist opioids, such as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl. These opioids bind to the same receptors as naloxone, but naloxone has a higher affinity and can displace them. Naloxone is less effective on partial agonist or mixed agonist-antagonist opioids, such as buprenorphine and pentazocine. These opioids have lower intrinsic activity or antagonize some receptors, making them less susceptible to naloxone.
Choice C reason: This statement indicates no understanding of naloxone. Naloxone is not a harmless drug that can be given repeatedly without consequences. Naloxone has a short half-life of about 30 to 90 minutes, which means it can wear off before the opioid does. This can cause the patient to relapse into respiratory depression and require repeated doses of naloxone. However, giving too many doses of naloxone can also cause adverse effects, such as agitation, hypertension, tachycardia, pulmonary edema, and seizures. Therefore, naloxone should be given cautiously and titrated to the minimum effective dose to reverse respiratory depression.
Choice D reason: This statement indicates no understanding of naloxone. Naloxone will affect the client's level of pain by blocking the analgesic effects of opioids. This can cause the patient to experience acute pain and distress, especially if they have a chronic pain condition or a surgical wound. Naloxone should not be used to treat opioid-induced sedation or pruritus without respiratory depression, as this will unnecessarily expose the patient to pain and suffering.
Choice E reason: This statement indicates no understanding of naloxone. When given IV, naloxone starts working immediately, but it does not last several hours. As mentioned earlier, naloxone has a short half-life and can be eliminated from the body quickly. The duration of action of naloxone depends on the dose, route, and frequency of administration, as well as the type, dose, and route of the opioid involved. Generally, naloxone lasts for about 30 to 90 minutes when given IV, which may not be enough to counteract the longer-lasting effects of some opioids. Therefore, continuous monitoring and repeated doses of naloxone may be needed until the opioid is cleared from the system.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Platelet count of 100,000/mm³ (100 x 10^9/L) is below the normal range and indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Thrombocytopenia can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, and can be a serious adverse effect of enoxaparin. This laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse, such as notifying the prescriber, monitoring for signs of bleeding, and withholding the next dose of enoxaparin.
Choice B reason: Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction) is within the normal range and does not indicate any problem with the client's red blood cells or oxygen-carrying capacity.
Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L) is within the normal range and does not indicate any problem with the client's kidney function or hydration status.
Choice D reason: Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L) is within the normal range and does not indicate any problem with the client's kidney function or muscle metabolism.
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