A nurse is assessing a preoperative client. The client has a history of atrial fibrillation and is taking warfarin daily. Which test order will the nurse request from the provider?
A serum sodium (Na)
A radiological examination of the chest
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
An international normalized ratio (INR)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Serum sodium levels are typically assessed to evaluate electrolyte balance and hydration status. While important for overall health assessment, it is not specifically related to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy.
B. This could be ordered for various reasons such as assessing lung status or identifying any abnormalities in the chest. It is not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy.
C. BUN levels are measured to assess kidney function and hydration status. While important for overall health assessment, it is not specifically related to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy.
D. The INR is a standardized measurement of the blood's ability to clot. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. The INR is used to monitor and adjust warfarin dosage to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation levels, especially in patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation who are at risk of blood clots.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Serum sodium levels are typically assessed to evaluate electrolyte balance and hydration status. While important for overall health assessment, it is not specifically related to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy.
B. This could be ordered for various reasons such as assessing lung status or identifying any abnormalities in the chest. It is not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy.
C. BUN levels are measured to assess kidney function and hydration status. While important for overall health assessment, it is not specifically related to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy.
D. The INR is a standardized measurement of the blood's ability to clot. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. The INR is used to monitor and adjust warfarin dosage to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation levels, especially in patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation who are at risk of blood clots.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. It is particularly sensitive to deficiencies in clotting factors, but it does not measure the deficiencies themselves
B. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test measures the effectiveness of the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade.
C. There is no need to skip breakfast or alter diet for an aPTT test. It is not affected by food intake or fasting status.
D. While aPTT is used to monitor heparin therapy, it is not typically used to monitor warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist) therapy. Warfarin therapy is usually monitored using the prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) tests.
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