A client with a deep vein thrombosis has been receiving warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO daily. The client's International Normalized Ratio (INR) is 5.0. The nurse is aware that the medication dose needs to be:
increased.
given as prescribed.
cut in half.
held.
The Correct Answer is D
A. An INR of 5.0 indicates that the blood is significantly thinner than the therapeutic range (typically 2.0 to 3.0 for DVT treatment). Increasing the dose of warfarin would further increase the risk of bleeding.
B. Continuing with the prescribed dose of 2.5 mg is not appropriate at this time. The INR is above the safe therapeutic range, indicating a need for adjustment, not maintenance of the current dose.
C. While reducing the dose may be necessary, cutting it in half may not adequately address the high INR. The more appropriate action would involve holding the dose or significantly adjusting it based on the INR and clinical guidelines.
D. An INR of 5.0 is a critical value that suggests the client is at an increased risk of bleeding. The appropriate action in this case is to hold the warfarin dose and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Depending on clinical protocols, the provider may recommend administering vitamin K to reverse the effects of warfarin, especially if there are signs of bleeding or if the INR is critically high.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Heparin acts quickly to provide immediate anticoagulation, while warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels. Heparin ensures that the client is adequately anticoagulated during the initial phase while waiting for warfarin to take effect.
B. Neither heparin nor warfarin directly dissolves clots. They are both anticoagulants that prevent further clot formation and allow the body's natural processes (fibrinolysis) to break down the existing clot over time. The combination does not specifically facilitate the dissolution of clots.
C. This statement is misleading. The use of both medications is not primarily about reducing the doses. Instead, each medication has its own dosing based on the patient’s needs, and the combination is used for timing and efficacy rather than dose reduction.
D. While heparin does provide immediate anticoagulation, saying it provides "maximum protection" could be misleading. It does ensure effective anticoagulation in the short term, but the maximum effectis related to individual response and therapeutic levels, which vary. Additionally, once warfarin reaches therapeutic levels, it becomes the primary agent for long-term anticoagulation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While testing for occult blood can help rule out hematuria (blood in the urine), it’s not the immediate priority. Dark urine could be related to several factors, including dehydration or changes in liver function, making this not the best first step.
B. While monitoring weight is important, it doesn't directly address the issue of dark urine. Weight changes might indicate fluid retention or loss but are not as immediately relevant to the urine color change.
C. Increasing water intake can help dilute the urine and may help with hydration. However, before suggesting this, it's important to understand the underlying cause of the urine change.
D. Glipizide and other sulfonylureas can affect liver function, and dark urine can indicate potential liver issues, such as bilirubinuria (bilirubin in the urine). Reviewing liver function studies would provide critical information to assess if the change in urine color is related to liver dysfunction or other serious issues.
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