A patient has been receiving warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO daily for four days and the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is 1.9. What should be the nurse’s next step?
Place the patient back on the heparin infusion and redraw laboratory values.
Ask the healthcare provider if the patient’s medication can be changed to rivaroxaban.
Notify the healthcare provider and ask if the dose of warfarin can be increased.
Prepare to administer a dose of Vitamin K subcutaneously.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Placing the patient back on the heparin infusion and redrawing laboratory values would not be the appropriate next step. The INR of 1.9 is below the therapeutic range of 2.0 - 3.0 for most patients on warfarin. Therefore, the warfarin therapy is not yet fully effective, and there is no need to revert to heparin.
Choice B rationale
Asking the healthcare provider if the patient’s medication can be changed to rivaroxaban would not be the appropriate next step. Rivaroxaban is a different type of anticoagulant and would not necessarily be more effective in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider and asking if the dose of warfarin can be increased would be the appropriate next step. The INR of 1.9 is below the therapeutic range of 2.0 - 3.0 for most patients on warfarin. Therefore, an increase in the warfarin dose may be necessary to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation.
Choice D rationale
Preparing to administer a dose of Vitamin K subcutaneously would not be the appropriate next step. Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin and would be counterproductive in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Wearing closed-toe shoes when walking can help protect the feet from injuries. However, it does not directly address the issue of numbness and reduced sensation due to severe peripheral neuropathy.
Choice B rationale
Soaking feet daily to remove pathogens can help maintain hygiene, but it does not directly address the issue of numbness and reduced sensation due to severe peripheral neuropathy.
Choice C rationale
Examining your feet daily is a crucial intervention for patients with severe peripheral neuropathy. Due to the numbness and reduced sensation, patients might not notice injuries or changes in their feet. Regular self-examination can help detect any abnormalities early, preventing further complications.
Choice D rationale
Using lotion on all areas of the feet for moisture can help prevent dryness and cracking of the skin, but it does not directly address the issue of numbness and reduced sensation due to severe peripheral neuropathy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While repositioning the limb and reassessing might be a part of the overall evaluation, it should not be the immediate action. The symptoms described are indicative of a serious issue that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Applying a warm blanket will not address the underlying issue. The symptoms described suggest a problem with circulation that needs immediate medical attention.
Choice C rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is the correct immediate action. The symptoms described suggest that the patient may be experiencing a complication such as occlusion of the stent. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the extremity on a pillow is not the immediate action to take. While elevation can help with conditions like edema, it does not address the serious symptoms the patient is experiencing.
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