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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
BUN 15 mg/dL (blood urea nitrogen) is incorrect. An elevated BUN level can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but it's not typically associated with azathioprine's adverse effects. Azathioprine is known to affect bone marrow, leading to decreased blood cell counts, rather than directly impacting kidney function.
Choice B Reason:
WBC 3,000/mm³ (low white blood cell count) is correct. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. One of its known adverse effects is bone marrow suppression, which can lead to decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs). A low WBC count (leukopenia) can increase the risk of infections due to compromised immune function, making it an important adverse effect to monitor in individuals taking azathioprine.
Choice C Reason:
Hct 45% (hematocrit) is incorrect. A hematocrit of 45% is within the normal range for both men and women. Azathioprine adverse effects usually manifest as blood cell-related issues (such as leukopenia) rather than directly impacting hematocrit levels.
Choice D Reason:
Platelets 250,000/mm³: Platelets within the range of 150,000 to 400,000/mm³ are considered normal. Azathioprine typically affects white blood cells more prominently than platelet counts.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication commonly used in cancer patients to manage nausea and vomiting, often caused by chemotherapy. It's not typically contraindicated or known to interact significantly with morphine administered via a PCA pump. This combination is often used to manage both pain and associated symptoms in cancer patients.
Choice B Reason:
Acetaminophen is incorrect. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that doesn't typically interact significantly with morphine administered via a PCA pump. It's often used concurrently with other pain medications to manage discomfort in cancer patients. There isn't a known significant interaction between acetaminophen and morphine when used appropriately.
Choice C Reason:
Nalbuphine is correct. Nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic, similar to morphine, and administering it concurrently with morphine could potentially lead to opioid overdose or increased risk of opioid-related side effects such as respiratory depression. Thus, it's crucial to clarify with the provider whether there might be a potential interaction or if both medications are indeed necessary in this specific clinical scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Insulin glargine is incorrect. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. While its interaction with morphine isn't typically a concern, it's essential to monitor blood sugar levels closely in individuals receiving opioids like morphine, as opioids can affect glucose metabolism and may necessitate adjustments in insulin dosage.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.