The patient has been started on warfarin (Coumadin) for deep vein thrombosis. The patient asks when the medication will break up the clots. The nurse's best response would be:

"This medication will not break down clots but will make it less likely that the clot will get larger."

"It will break down the clot within 8 to 12 hours of administration."

"It will take 7 to 10 days for the clot to break down."

"You will need to be on this medication for a long time before it will break down the clot."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "This medication will not break down clots but will make it less likely that the clot will get larger." Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver. It does not directly break down existing clots but prevents the formation of new clots and the extension of existing ones. This response provides accurate information about the mechanism of action of warfarin.

B. "It will break down the clot within 8 to 12 hours of administration." This statement is incorrect. Warfarin does not have an immediate effect on existing clots. Its action is primarily preventive, reducing the risk of further clot formation and allowing the body's natural processes to gradually break down existing clots over time.

C. "It will take 7 to 10 days for the clot to break down." While the body's natural processes may start breaking down the clot within this timeframe, warfarin itself does not directly cause the dissolution of clots. This response is partially accurate in terms of the timeline for the body's natural clot resolution but does not specify that warfarin itself is not responsible for clot breakdown.

D. "You will need to be on this medication for a long time before it will break down the clot." This statement is misleading. Warfarin's role is to prevent the formation of new clots and further extension of existing ones rather than directly breaking down clots. Additionally, the duration of warfarin therapy is typically determined based on the individual's risk factors for clot formation, and it may not necessarily correlate with the time it takes for existing clots to resolve.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. If he misses a dose, he should double the dose at the next scheduled time: This statement is incorrect. Doubling the dose of warfarin after missing a dose can significantly increase the risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. The nurse should emphasize the importance of taking the medication as prescribed and what to do if a dose is missed, such as contacting the healthcare provider for guidance.

B. The client should use an electric razor while on this medication: This statement is correct. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it's essential for patients taking warfarin to avoid activities that may increase the risk of injury or bleeding, such as shaving with a traditional razor that can cause cuts or nicks. Using an electric razor reduces this risk.

C. Mild nosebleeds are common during initial treatment: This statement is not entirely accurate. While warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, including nosebleeds, it's not necessarily common during the initial treatment phase. However, patients should be aware of signs of bleeding and report them to their healthcare provider promptly.

D. Warfarin increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis: This statement is incorrect. Warfarin is actually prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke, in patients who are at risk for these conditions. It works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. Therefore, it does not increase the risk of DVT; rather, it decreases it.

A. Echinacea B. Garlic C. Ginseng D. Valerian E. Ginger

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Echinacea: Potential anticoagulant effects may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

B. Garlic: Garlic supplements have anticoagulant properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

C. Ginseng: Ginseng has antiplatelet effects, increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

D. Valerian: Valerian may interact with warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.

E. Ginger: Ginger has antiplatelet effects, which can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

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The patient has been started on warfarin (Coumadin) for deep vein thrombosis. The patient asks when the medication will break up the clots. The nurse's best response would be:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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