A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has atrial fibrillation and a prescription for warfarin. After informing the provider that the INR is 2.5, the nurse should expect which of the following prescriptions?
Decrease the dose of the medication.
Increase the dose of the medication.
Withhold the medication.
Administer the current dose of the medication.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Decrease the dose of the medication is incorrect. Lowering the dose could potentially drop the INR below the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Choice B Reason:
Increase the dose of the medication is incorrect. Raising the dose might push the INR above the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice C Reason:
Withhold the medication is incorrect. Withholding the medication might lead to inadequate anticoagulation and an increased risk of clot formation.
Choice D Reason:
Administer the current dose of the medication. An INR of 2.5 is within the therapeutic range for many indications, including atrial fibrillation. This means the blood is appropriately anticoagulated to prevent clot formation without an excessive risk of bleeding. In this scenario, maintaining the current dose of warfarin is often appropriate to sustain the desired therapeutic effect.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice." This statement is actually accurate. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain statin medications, including lovastatin, leading to increased levels of the drug in the body. Advising against grapefruit juice consumption is a recommended precaution when taking lovastatin, so this statement shows the client's understanding of this interaction.
Choice B Reason:
"I am trying to decrease my dietary fat intake." This statement reflects a positive lifestyle change. Lowering dietary fat intake is often recommended for individuals on statin medications to help manage cholesterol levels. This statement demonstrates the client's commitment to making healthy dietary adjustments, which aligns with the treatment plan.
Choice B Reason:
"I was just diagnosed with hepatitis B. "Hepatitis B can affect liver function, and statin medications like lovastatin can potentially impact liver enzymes. Therefore, in someone with a history of hepatitis B, it's crucial to assess liver function before starting a statin and to monitor the liver during treatment. This statement raises concerns about potential liver complications or interactions that require further evaluation before initiating lovastatin.
Choice D Reason:
"I take metformin for my diabetes." Metformin, a medication for diabetes, does not directly interact with lovastatin. While it's relevant to know the client's other medications, this statement doesn't indicate a need for immediate further assessment regarding the use of lovastatin.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decrease the dose of the medication is incorrect. Lowering the dose could potentially drop the INR below the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Choice B Reason:
Increase the dose of the medication is incorrect. Raising the dose might push the INR above the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice C Reason:
Withhold the medication is incorrect. Withholding the medication might lead to inadequate anticoagulation and an increased risk of clot formation.
Choice D Reason:
Administer the current dose of the medication. An INR of 2.5 is within the therapeutic range for many indications, including atrial fibrillation. This means the blood is appropriately anticoagulated to prevent clot formation without an excessive risk of bleeding. In this scenario, maintaining the current dose of warfarin is often appropriate to sustain the desired therapeutic effect.

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