A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs.

Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect following the transfusion?

Choice A option

Fibrinogen level: Fibrinogen is a protein involved in the blood clotting process, but in this case, it is not appropriate because is not the primary laboratory test used to monitor warfarin therapy. Monitoring fibrinogen levels is more relevant in assessing bleeding disorders or certain medical conditions.

Choice B option

PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time): PTT is another laboratory test used to evaluate blood clotting function, particularly the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade. PTT is not routinely used to monitor warfarin therapy; it is more commonly used to monitor other anticoagulant medications like heparin.

Choice C option

The nurse should plan to report the client's INR (International Normalized Ratio) to obtain a prescription for the client's daily warfarin. INR is a critical laboratory test used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication commonly prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots. It works by interfering with the body's ability to use vitamin K to form blood clots. Monitoring the INR is essential because it indicates how long it takes for the blood to clot, and it helps determine if the client's warfarin dosage needs adjustment to achieve the desired level of anticoagulation.

Choice D option

Platelet count: Platelet count is essential to assess the number of platelets in the blood, which are crucial for normal clotting. However, platelet count monitoring is not the primary focus when prescribing warfarin. It is typically used to evaluate thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or other conditions affecting platelet function.

This prescription is complete because it includes the medication name, dose, route, and frequency.

A complete prescription should also include the client’s name, date, time, signature of the prescriber, and any special instructions.

Choice A is wrong because it does not specify the dose of cimetidine.

PO twice daily is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Choice B is wrong because it does not specify the frequency of tetracycline.

200 mg PO is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Choice C is wrong because it does not specify the route of epoetin alfa.

150 units/kg three times weekly is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Normal ranges for digoxin are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for heart failure and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for atrial fibrillation.

Normal ranges for cimetidine are 50 to 150 ng/mL.

Normal ranges for tetracycline are 1 to 10 mcg/mL.

Normal ranges for epoetin alfa are not applicable as it is a synthetic hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.