A nurse is caring for a client who is on warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. The client's INR is 5.2. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
Atropine
Epinephrine
Vitamin K
Protamine
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Atropine is not the correct answer, as it is an anticholinergic medication that is used to treat bradycardia, not warfarin overdose. Atropine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice B reason: Epinephrine is not the correct answer, as it is a catecholamine medication that is used to treat anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe hypotension, not warfarin overdose. Epinephrine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice C reason: Vitamin K is the correct answer, as it is the antidote for warfarin overdose. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Vitamin K can reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR to a therapeutic range.
Choice D reason: Protamine is not the correct answer, as it is the antidote for heparin overdose, not warfarin overdose. Protamine is a protein that binds to and neutralizes heparin, but has no effect on warfarin or the INR.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. The client uses garlic to lower cholesterol levels.
Choice A: The client follows a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol
Following a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol does not have a significant impact on the effects of warfarin. While diet can influence overall health and cholesterol levels, it does not directly interact with warfarin’s anticoagulant properties.
Choice B: The client drinks a glass of grapefruit juice every day
Grapefruit juice is known to interact with various medications by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. However, grapefruit juice does not significantly affect warfarin metabolism. It is more commonly associated with interactions with statins and other medications.
Choice C: The client sprinkles flax seeds on food 1 hr before taking the anticoagulant
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which can be beneficial for heart health. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest that flax seeds significantly potentiate the effects of warfarin. They do not have a direct interaction with the anticoagulant properties of warfarin.
Choice D: The client uses garlic to lower cholesterol levels
Garlic is known to have antiplatelet properties, which can enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. This can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking warfarin. Garlic can interfere with the blood clotting process, making it a significant factor to consider when managing a client on warfarin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Eating a green salad every night with dinner is not the statement that indicates a need for further teaching. This is a consistent and balanced dietary choice for the client, as long as the amount of vitamin K in the salad is not excessive or variable. Vitamin K is a nutrient that helps the blood to clot and can interfere with the action of warfarin, which is an anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of blood clots. The client should avoid sudden changes in their intake of vitamin K and inform the provider of any dietary modifications.
Choice B reason: Taking this medication at the same time each day is not the statement that indicates a need for further teaching. This is a correct and important instruction for the client, as it helps to maintain a steady and effective level of warfarin in the blood. Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic range and requires frequent monitoring and dose adjustment. The client should take the medication as prescribed and avoid missing or skipping doses.
Choice C reason: Starting to take ginger root to treat joint stiffness is the statement that indicates a need for further teaching. This is a risky and potentially harmful herbal supplement for the client, as it can interact with warfarin and increase its anticoagulant effect. Ginger root has antiplatelet and fibrinolytic properties, which can inhibit the formation of blood clots and enhance the breakdown of fibrin, a protein that stabilizes blood clots. Taking ginger root with warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising and alter the international normalized ratio (INR), which is a measure of the blood's clotting ability. The client should avoid taking ginger root and other herbal supplements without consulting the provider.
Choice D reason: Having the INR checked three weeks ago is not the statement that indicates a need for further teaching. This is a reasonable and appropriate frequency for the client, depending on their stability and response to warfarin therapy. The INR is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the blood to clot and indicates the effectiveness of warfarin. The target INR range for most clients is 2 to 3, but it may vary depending on the indication and the risk of bleeding. The client should have their INR checked regularly and follow the provider's orders and the protocol for dose adjustment.
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