The nurse is caring for an African-American patient who is taking ...

[mynx]

The nurse is caring for an African-American patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent blood clots. The nurse will monitor this patient carefully for which effect?
 
  a. Decreased therapeutic effects
  b. Heightened risk for hemorrhage
  c. Increased risk of hypersensitivity
  d. Potential risk of paradoxical effects

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who is of Asian descent. The patient reports little relief from pain even while taking an opioid analgesic containing codeine and acetaminophen.
 
  What does the nurse suspect that this patient is exhibiting?
  a. Drug-seeking behavior
  b. Heightened pain perception
  c. Poor understanding of expected drug effects
  d. Rapid metabolism of one of the drug's components

[upturnedfurball]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Certain classifications of medications have different effects in individuals whose genetic markers are predominantly characteristic of a certain biologic group. African-American patients will tend to have a decreased therapeutic effect from warfarin (Coumadin).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Certain classifications of medications have different effects in individuals whose genetic markers are predominantly characteristic of a certain biologic group. Persons of Asian descent may have a decreased response to some drugs because they are more likely to have higher levels of CYP2D6 enzymes.