A nurse is reinforcing teaching about warfarin with a client who has a new onset of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Warfarin dissolves clots in the bloodstream."
"This medication slows the response of the ventricles to the fast atrial impulses."
"Warfarin helps prevent strokes in clients who have atrial fibrillation."
"This medication will help maintain a normal heart rhythm."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason : The statement that warfarin dissolves clots in the bloodstream is incorrect. Warfarin does not dissolve existing clots. Instead, it is an anticoagulant that works by decreasing the production of certain clotting factors in the blood, which helps prevent the formation of new clots.
Choice B reason : This statement is not accurate regarding the action of warfarin. Warfarin does not affect the electrical impulses of the heart. Medications that slow the response of the ventricles to fast atrial impulses are typically antiarrhythmic drugs, not anticoagulants like warfarin.
Choice C reason : This is the correct statement. Warfarin is prescribed for clients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of forming blood clots in the heart, which can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Warfarin's anticoagulant effect helps to prevent these clots from forming.
Choice D reason : Warfarin does not help maintain a normal heart rhythm. It is not an antiarrhythmic drug but an anticoagulant. The purpose of warfarin in atrial fibrillation is to prevent stroke by reducing the risk of clot formation, not to correct the heart rhythm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : A hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range for adults, which typically falls between 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women. Therefore, this value does not warrant reporting to the provider as it does not indicate an immediate concern.
Choice B reason : A prothrombin time (PT) of 45 seconds is significantly higher than the normal range of 11 to 13.5 seconds for individuals not on anticoagulation therapy. For patients on warfarin, the target PT is usually 1.5 to 2 times the normal value, depending on the indication for therapy. However, a PT of 45 seconds suggests a high risk of bleeding and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C reason : The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 36 seconds is within the normal range of approximately 21 to 35 seconds⁸. This result indicates that the blood's intrinsic clotting pathway is functioning within expected parameters and does not need to be reported.
Choice D reason : A platelet count of 190,000/mm is within the normal range, which is typically 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm. This value is not concerning and does not need to be reported to the provider.
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