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 B
Explanation
B. Fatty foods can delay the absorption of sildenafil, potentially delaying its onset of action. While it's not necessary to completely avoid fatty foods, consuming a high-fat meal shortly before taking sildenafil may delay its effects. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid large, high-fat meals before taking sildenafil to optimize its effectiveness.
A. Sildenafil is typically taken on an as-needed basis, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. Taking sildenafil more than once a day is not recommended and can increase the risk of adverse effects and complications.
C. Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
D. Constipation is not a common side effect of sildenafil. Common side effects of sildenafil include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness. Constipation is not typically associated with sildenafil use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Garlic may potentiate the effects of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. When taken together, garlic can increase the risk of bleeding due to its antiplatelet properties, potentially leading to an increased risk of bruising or bleeding episodes.
B. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and edema. There is no known significant interaction between hydrochlorothiazide and garlic.
C. Dicloxacillin is an antibiotic medication from the penicillin class. There is no known significant interaction between dicloxacillin and garlic.
D. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production. There is no known significant interaction between esomeprazole and garlic.
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