A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching for a client who will be taking warfarin (Coumadin) at home. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the effects of this medication?
To be sure to eat foods with lots of vitamin K.
Not to take aspirin for my headaches.
That it's okay to have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner.
To use my electric razor for shaving.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A : While vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting, warfarin works by blocking the action of vitamin K. Therefore, clients taking warfarin should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods to avoid fluctuations in their response to the medication. Inconsistent vitamin K intake can affect the effectiveness of warfarin. The nurse should educate the client to consume a consistent amount of vitamin K-containing foods rather than emphasizing "lots" of vitamin K.
Choice B : Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding. Taking aspirin (another blood-thinning medication) along with warfarin can further enhance this risk. The nurse should emphasize that clients should avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without consulting their healthcare provider while on warfarin therapy.
Choice C : Alcohol can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. Clients should be advised to limit alcohol consumption while taking warfarin. The nurse should educate the client that alcohol intake should be moderate and consistent, rather than encouraging wine consumption.
Choice D :While it is essential to minimize the risk of cuts and bleeding, the use of an electric razor is not specific to warfarin therapy. Clients should be cautious with any sharp objects, including razors, to prevent bleeding. The nurse should provide general safety instructions for shaving, but this choice does not directly relate to warfarin effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help reduce stress and anxiety, but it does not directly address the physiological issues of dehydration and hypotension. While it may be beneficial as a complementary therapy, it is not the primary intervention for a patient suffering from these conditions.
Choice B reason : Elevating the head of the bed is generally recommended for patients who have difficulty breathing or to prevent aspiration, but it is not the standard care for hypotension. In fact, for a hypotensive patient, elevating the legs might be more beneficial to promote venous return to the heart⁹[^20^].
Choice C reason : Increasing fluid intake is the most direct and effective way to treat dehydration. When a patient is hypotensive, it often indicates a low blood volume, which can be improved by increasing fluid intake. This can be done orally if the patient is conscious and able to drink, or intravenously if they are not. The normal range for blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, and maintaining adequate hydration helps to ensure blood pressure stays within this range⁸.
Choice D reason : The Valsalva maneuver is a technique used to potentially correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, particularly supraventricular tachycardia, and not for treating hypotension or dehydration. It involves increasing intrathoracic pressure by exhaling forcefully with a closed airway, which can have various effects on the cardiovascular system. However, it is not an appropriate intervention for a dehydrated, hypotensive patient⁹[^10^].
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Epinephrine is an adrenergic agonist primarily used in the management of cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and severe asthma attacks. It is not used to reverse the effects of warfarin overdose. Warfarin acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and epinephrine has no role in this mechanism.
Choice B reason : Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin toxicity. Warfarin works by inhibiting the vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. In the event of an overdose, vitamin K is administered to reverse the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and restore the clotting factor levels to normal. The administration can be oral or intravenous, depending on the severity of the overdose and the urgency of the situation.
Choice C reason : Atropine is an anticholinergic drug used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning. It does not have a role in reversing warfarin overdose as it does not affect the clotting cascade or vitamin K metabolism.
Choice D reason : Protamine is used to reverse the effects of heparin, another anticoagulant, but not warfarin. Protamine sulfate binds to heparin, forming a stable complex and neutralizing its anticoagulant effects. Since warfarin's mechanism of action is different from heparin's, protamine is not effective in reversing warfarin toxicity.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today