A patient who has atrial fibrillation is taking warfarin and has an INR of 2.5.The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend which medication?

Dabigatran etexilate mesylate (Pradaxa) is a medication that prevents blood clots and reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

However, it can also cause bleeding as a side effect.

Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stool, or abdominal pain or swelling immediately.These could indicate a serious complication such as gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhage, or internal organ damage.

Choice D, headache or dizziness, is not a correct answer.

Although these symptoms could be caused by dabigatran, they are not as serious or urgent as bleeding.

They could also be due to other factors such as dehydration, low blood pressure, or stress.The nurse should advise the client to monitor these symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.

Choice E, shortness of breath, is not a correct answer.

Shortness of breath is not a common side effect of dabigatran.

However, it could be a symptom of atrial fibrillation or its complications such as heart failure or stroke.The nurse should educate the client about the signs and symptoms of these conditions and instruct them to call 911 if they experience chest pain, palpitations, fainting, or weakness.

The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend acetaminophen, which is the safest pain reliever while taking warfarin.Acetaminophen does not interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the likelihood of harmful bleeding.

NSAIDs can also cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because naproxen is another NSAID that has the same risks as ibuprofen.

Naproxen should be avoided by patients taking warfarin.

Choice D is wrong because aspirin is also an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.

Aspirin can also cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and allergic reactions.

The normal range for INR is 2 to 3 for patients with atrial fibrillation who are taking warfarin.

An INR of 2.5 indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer to clot than normal, but not too long.

The patient should have regular blood tests to monitor their INR and adjust their warfarin dose if needed.