A nurse is preparing to administer a daily dose of warfarin to a client. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse check prior to administration?
Platelets
OPTT
WBC
INR
The Correct Answer is D
D. The INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Warfarin interferes with the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, primarily factors II, VII, IX, and X. The INR provides a standardized measure of coagulation status, allowing healthcare providers to adjust warfarin dosage to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation while minimizing the risk of bleeding or thrombosis.
A. Platelets are involved in the process of blood clotting, but checking platelet levels is not specific to monitoring warfarin therapy. Platelet count may be relevant in assessing overall coagulation status, but it is not the primary laboratory value monitored for warfarin therapy.
B. OPTT measures the time it takes for blood to clot after specific clotting factors are activated. While OPTT is used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy, it is not routinely monitored for warfarin therapy. Warfarin primarily affects the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, and the international normalized ratio (INR) is the standard laboratory test used to monitor warfarin therapy.
C. White blood cell count assesses the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to evaluate the immune system and detect infections. Monitoring white blood cell count is not specific to warfarin therapy and is not routinely checked prior to administering warfarin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. One of the primary requirements of the iPledge program for sexually active females of childbearing potential is the use of two forms of contraception simultaneously, beginning one month before starting isotretinoin therapy, throughout therapy, and for one month after discontinuation of therapy. This is to ensure effective contraception and prevent pregnancy due to the teratogenic effects of isotretinoin.
A. While mammograms are important screening tests for breast cancer, they are not a requirement of the iPledge program for female clients receiving isotretinoin.
B. Papanicolaou (Pap) tests, which screen for cervical cancer, are not a requirement of the iPledge program. However, sexually active females of childbearing potential must have monthly pregnancy tests and must agree to use two forms of contraception simultaneously during isotretinoin therapy.
C. There is no requirement for clients to take a daily supplement of vitamin A prior to initiating isotretinoin therapy as part of the iPledge program.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Headache, particularly a pounding headache or throbbing sensation, is a well-known side effect of nitroglycerin use. It occurs due to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can lead to dilation of blood vessels in the head and neck.
A. Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is not a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin. Tinnitus is typically associated with certain medications, exposure to loud noises, or underlying medical conditions such as inner ear disorders. It is not a recognized adverse effect of nitroglycerin.
C. Nitroglycerin is not known to increase blood pressure. In fact, it typically causes vasodilation and can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, especially when used sublingually or transdermally. Hypotension, rather than hypertension, is a potential adverse effect of nitroglycerin therapy.
D. Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not a recognized adverse effect of nitroglycerin. Polyuria may occur as a result of other medications or underlying medical conditions affecting renal function, but it is not directly associated with nitroglycerin use.
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