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A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed warfarin [Coumadin] in addition to IV heparin therapy after experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (MI). The patient asks why both medications are necessary if they do similar things in preventing clots from forming in his body.

Which response by the nurse best explains why both medications are necessary? (Select all that apply.).

“Heparin works faster than warfarin, so it is given until warfarin reaches an effective level in your blood.”

“Heparin and warfarin work on different clotting factors in your blood, so they have a synergistic effect.”

“Heparin is given by injection, while warfarin is given by mouth, so they have different routes of administration.”

“Heparin prevents new clots from forming, while warfarin helps dissolve existing clots in your blood vessels.”

“Heparin has a shorter duration of action than warfarin, so it is easier to reverse if bleeding occurs.”.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,E

Heparin works faster than warfarin, so it is given until warfarin reaches an effective level in your blood.

Heparin has a shorter duration of action than warfarin, so it is easier to reverse if bleeding occurs.

Choice B is wrong because heparin and warfarin do not have a synergistic effect.

They work on different clotting factors, but they do not enhance each other’s effects.

Choice C is wrong because the route of administration is not relevant to the rationale for using both medications.

Heparin and warfarin can be given by different routes, but that does not explain why they are both necessary.

Choice D is wrong because warfarin does not help dissolve existing clots.

Warfarin prevents the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, but it does not break down clots that have already formed.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger.

It is used to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the legs.

It can also prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition in which a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing breathing problems.

Patients taking warfarin should follow these instructions:

• Avoid foods that are high in vitamin K.

Vitamin K is needed for the production of some clotting factors in the liver.

Warfarin blocks the action of vitamin K, and thus reduces the clotting ability of the blood.

However, if the intake of vitamin K varies significantly from day to day, it can affect the stability of the warfarin effect.Foods that are high in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce, as well as some vegetable oils, such as soybean and canola.Patients should not avoid these foods completely, but they should keep their intake consistent and inform their doctor or pharmacist if they make any changes to their diet.

• Report any unusual bleeding to healthcare provider.

Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if the dose is too high or if it interacts with other medications or supplements.Patients should notify their doctor or seek emergency care if they have any signs of bleeding, such as bruising, red or black stools, blood in the urine, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or swelling.They should also inform their doctor of any other medications or supplements they are taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.

• Use an electric razor when shaving.

Warfarin can make the skin more prone to bleeding from minor cuts or injuries.

Patients should use an electric razor when shaving to reduce the risk of nicking themselves and causing bleeding.They should also use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing if it causes bleeding.They should wear gloves when handling sharp objects or working in the garden.

Choice B and E are wrong because:

• Take aspirin for pain relief.

Aspirin is a medication that also prevents blood clots by inhibiting platelets, which are cells that stick together to form clots.Taking aspirin with warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding significantly and is not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor for a specific reason.Patients should avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for pain relief unless advised by their doctor.They should also check the labels of any over-the-counter medications or supplements they use and avoid those that contain aspirin or NSAIDs.

• Wear shoes that fit well and avoid tight clothing.

This instruction is not related to warfarin therapy and does not affect its efficacy or safety.

However, it may be a general advice for patients with DVT to prevent further complications or discomfort.Wearing shoes that fit well and avoiding tight clothing can help improve blood circulation in the legs and prevent swelling or pain.Patients with DVT should also elevate their legs when possible and wear compression stockings if prescribed by their doctor.

A. “Avoid activities that may cause injury.” B. “Take medication with food.” C. “Report signs and symptoms of bleeding immediately.” D. “Monitor vital signs regularly.” E. “Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Apixaban (Eliquis) is a blood thinner that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger.

It is used to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the legs.

It can also prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition in which a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing breathing problems.

Patients taking apixaban should follow these instructions:

• Avoid activities that may cause injury.

Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should be careful not to cut or bruise themselves.

They should use a soft toothbrush, an electric razor, and avoid contact sports or other activities that may cause bleeding.They should also wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an identification card that states they are taking apixaban.

• Report signs and symptoms of bleeding immediately.Patients should notify their doctor or seek emergency care if they have any signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, red or black stools, blood in the urine, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or swelling.

• Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

These drugs can also increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the effects of apixaban.

Patients should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs unless prescribed by their doctor.They should also check the labels of any over-the-counter medications or supplements they use and avoid those that contain aspirin or NSAIDs.

Choice B and D are wrong because:

• Take medication with food.Apixaban can be taken with or without food.Taking it with food does not affect its absorption or efficacy.

Therefore, this instruction is not necessary for patients taking apixaban.

• Monitor vital signs regularly.Apixaban does not affect blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation.

Therefore, monitoring vital signs regularly is not required for patients taking apixaban.However, patients should still follow their doctor’s advice on how often to check their blood tests, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in patient teaching? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed apixaban (Eliquis) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which instructions should be included in patient teaching? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

A client who has atrial fibrillation is prescribed dabigatran etexilate mesylate (Pradaxa). The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings immediately? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis and is receiving enoxaparin therapy subcutaneously once daily at home. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings immediately?

Which patients below would be at a HIGH risk for developing adverse effects of Heparin drug therapy? Select all that apply:

A patient who has atrial fibrillation is taking warfarin and has an INR of 2.5.The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend which medication?

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously for prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should instruct the patient to:

The nurse is caring for a patient who has received alteplase [Activase]. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving argatroban IV for HIT and requires urgent surgery. The nurse should stop the infusion at least how many hours before the surgery?