A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to assess the medication’s effectiveness?
Platelet count
International normalized ratio (INR)
Hemoglobin level
Serum potassium
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Platelet count assesses bleeding risk but does not measure warfarin’s anticoagulant effect. Warfarin inhibits clotting factors, monitored by INR. Platelet counts are relevant for antiplatelet drugs, not anticoagulants, making INR the priority for evaluating warfarin efficacy in atrial fibrillation.
Choice B reason: INR measures warfarin’s anticoagulant effect by assessing prothrombin time, reflecting vitamin K-dependent clotting factor inhibition. In atrial fibrillation, therapeutic INR (2.0–3.0) prevents thromboembolism. Monitoring INR ensures effective anticoagulation, making it the critical lab value for warfarin therapy management.
Choice C reason: Hemoglobin level detects bleeding, a warfarin side effect, but does not assess its therapeutic effect. INR directly evaluates anticoagulation, ensuring stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Hemoglobin is secondary, monitored for complications, not efficacy, making INR the priority lab value.
Choice D reason: Serum potassium is unrelated to warfarin’s anticoagulant action. Electrolyte imbalances may affect cardiac rhythm in atrial fibrillation, but INR measures warfarin’s effect on clotting factors, ensuring therapeutic anticoagulation, making it the essential value to monitor for medication efficacy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assisting with mobility and fall prevention is critical in Parkinson’s disease, as bradykinesia and rigidity increase fall risk. Physical therapy and assistive devices enhance safety, reducing injury risk, making this the priority intervention to maintain functional independence and prevent fractures.
Choice B reason: High-protein meals may interfere with levodopa absorption in Parkinson’s, worsening symptoms. Mobility assistance is the priority, as falls are a leading cause of injury, requiring immediate intervention to ensure safety, making dietary protein secondary to physical support.
Choice C reason: Restricting fluid intake is inappropriate, as hydration prevents constipation in Parkinson’s. Mobility and fall prevention are critical, as motor symptoms increase injury risk. Assisting with mobility addresses the primary functional challenge, making fluid restriction irrelevant to priority care.
Choice D reason: Promoting social isolation worsens depression in Parkinson’s, a common comorbidity. Mobility assistance is the priority, as falls due to motor impairment are a significant risk, requiring immediate intervention to ensure safety, making social isolation counterproductive to care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Rinsing the mouth after using a corticosteroid inhaler prevents oral candidiasis, a common side effect from residual steroid deposition. This ensures safe asthma management, as fungal infections compromise adherence and health, making it the priority teaching point for proper inhaler use.
Choice B reason: Using the inhaler only during asthma attacks applies to rescue inhalers, not maintenance corticosteroids, which are used daily. This is incorrect, as rinsing the mouth is essential for corticosteroid inhalers to prevent oral thrush, ensuring safe and effective asthma control.
Choice C reason: Storing inhalers in a refrigerator is unnecessary and may degrade some medications. Room-temperature storage is standard. Rinsing the mouth after corticosteroid inhaler use is critical to prevent oral candidiasis, making it the priority teaching point for asthma management.
Choice D reason: Shaking the inhaler only once may be insufficient for proper aerosolization in some devices. Rinsing the mouth after corticosteroid inhaler use is the priority, as it prevents oral thrush, a significant side effect, ensuring safe and consistent asthma therapy.
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.
