The nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The patient’s INR level is 3.5, which is above therapeutic range. What action should the nurse take?

Administer vitamin K as ordered by physician

Administer heparin as ordered by physician

Administer warfarin as ordered by physician

Hold warfarin and notify physician.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. The INR (international normalized ratio) is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot. The therapeutic range for INR depends on the indication for warfarin therapy, but for atrial fibrillation, it is usually between 2 and 3. An INR level of 3.5 is above the therapeutic range, which means the blood is too thin and the patient is at risk of bleeding. The nurse should hold the warfarin dose and notify the physician, who may order vitamin K to reverse the effects of warfarin.

Choice A) Administer vitamin K as ordered by physician is wrong because vitamin K is not indicated unless the physician orders it based on the patient’s condition and INR level.

Vitamin K is an antidote for warfarin overdose and can reverse its anticoagulant effects.

However, administering vitamin K without a physician’s order may cause the INR to drop below the therapeutic range and increase the risk of clotting.

Choice B) Administer heparin as ordered by physician is wrong because heparin is another anticoagulant that works by activating antithrombin, a natural inhibitor of clotting factors.

Heparin is used for acute treatment of thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

It is not indicated for atrial fibrillation unless there is evidence of acute thrombosis.

Administering heparin to a patient with an elevated INR would increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C) Administer warfarin as ordered by physician is wrong because warfarin is the cause of the elevated INR and should be withheld until the INR returns to the therapeutic range.

Continuing to administer warfarin would further increase the INR and the risk of bleeding.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

Losartan (Cozaar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is used to treat heart failure by lowering blood pressure and reducing fluid retention.

Patients taking losartan should:

• Weigh themselves every morning and report any changes.

This helps to monitor fluid status and detect signs of worsening heart failure.Weight gain of more than 2 kg (4.4 lb) in a week or 1 kg (2.2 lb) in a day should be reported to the health care provider.

• Call their doctor if they have a sore throat or fever.This could indicate an infection or a rare but serious side effect of losartan called angioedema, which causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The other choices are wrong because:

• Losartan does not need to be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.It can be taken with or without food.

• Losartan does not increase the sensitivity to sunlight.However, some other medications for heart failure, such as diuretics, may do so.

• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated is not recommended for patients with heart failure, as it may worsen fluid retention and overload the heart.Patients should follow their prescribed fluid restriction and limit their sodium intake.

A. Fresh fruits and vegetables B. Whole grains and cereals C. Lean meats and poultry D. Canned soups and sauces.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse should advise the patient with heart failure to limit or avoid canned soups and sauces because they are high in sodium, which can cause fluid retention and worsen cardiac function.Sodium intake should be restricted to less than 2 g per day for patients with heart failure.

Choice A is wrong because fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are beneficial for heart health.Potassium and magnesium help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because whole grains and cereals are also rich in fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and prevent rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels.Whole grains and cereals may also contain phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Choice C is wrong because lean meats and poultry are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Lean meats and poultry provide protein, which is essential for tissue repair and wound healing.Protein intake should be adequate but not excessive for patients with heart failure, as too much protein can increase the workload of the kidneys.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The patient’s INR level is 3.5, which is above therapeutic range. What action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is reviewing the discharge instructions with a patient who has heart failure and is prescribed losartan (Cozaar). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

The nurse is teaching a patient with heart failure about dietary modifications to reduce fluid retention and improve cardiac function. Which of the following foods should the nurse advise the patient to limit or avoid?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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The nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The patient’s INR level is 3.5, which is above therapeutic range. What action should the nurse take?