The nurse has administered warfarin 2.5 mg orally daily for three days to a client who has deep vein thrombosis. The client's International Normalized Ratio (INR) today is 5.0. The nurse notifies the healthcare provider because today's dose of the medication should be:
Switched to heparin.
Given as prescribed.
Increased.
Held.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Switching to heparin is not the standard response for a high INR. Heparin may be used in conjunction with warfarin when starting anticoagulation therapy, but it is not typically used as a substitute in response to an elevated INR.
Choice B Reason:
Giving the dose as prescribed would not be appropriate when the INR is significantly above the therapeutic range. Continuing the same dose could increase the risk of bleeding complications.
Choice C Reason:
Increasing the dose would be contraindicated as the INR is already too high. Increasing the warfarin dose would further elevate the INR and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D Reason:
Holding the dose is the correct action when the INR is significantly above the therapeutic range, which is generally between 2.0 to 3.0 for most indications. The healthcare provider should be notified, and the warfarin dose should be held until the INR returns to the therapeutic range. Vitamin K may also be administered to help lower the INR more quickly if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered within the normal range and is an ideal target for most individuals being treated for hypertension. This finding would not typically alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.
Choice B Reason
Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L is higher than the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This is a known side effect of lisinopril, especially in clients with renal impairment, as it inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduces potassium excretion.
Choice C Reason
A heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 60-100 beats per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.
Choice D Reason
A respiration rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
The continuous nature of the mucosa refers to the uninterrupted lining of the urinary tract, which provides a barrier against pathogens. However, this characteristic is not a significant factor in the increased susceptibility of women to cystitis. Both men and women have a continuous mucosal lining, and it does not account for the gender difference in infection rates.
Choice B Reason
High estrogen levels can influence the tissues of the urinary tract and may affect susceptibility to infections. However, the role of estrogen in the development of cystitis is not as direct or significant as anatomical differences. Estrogen levels vary throughout a woman's life and do not consistently correlate with cystitis risk.
Choice C Reason
Urethral proximity to the rectum is the most significant anatomical factor contributing to a woman's increased susceptibility to cystitis¹⁴. Women have a shorter urethra than men, and its close proximity to the anus allows bacteria from the bowel area to more easily enter the urinary tract and cause infections.
Choice D Reason
Inadequate fluid intake can lead to less frequent urination, which is a risk factor for cystitis because it reduces the natural flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract. However, this is a modifiable risk factor and does not inherently explain the higher incidence of cystitis in women compared to men.
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