This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: A 78-year-old female patient was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and started on Coumadin ... (Read 110 times)

JMatthes

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 578
A 78-year-old female patient was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and started on Coumadin (warfarin) for stroke prophylaxis. A nurse provides extensive education on warfarin including the need for routine blood testing.
 
  The woman states the following to a nurse: I understand all that you have taught me, but I do not know what a good number for the INR test is. The nurse bases her response on the knowledge that the recommended INR is:
  a. 1.0-2.0.
  b. 2.0-3.0.
  c. 3.0-4.0.
  d. 4.0-5.0.

Question 2

A 69-year-old patient in the geriatric clinic has an annual physical examination and a complete blood count and serum electrolytes are drawn.
 
  While the physical examination was uneventful, the laboratory results show an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The nurse will then:
  a. ask that the test be rerun since the client showed no physical signs of renal failure.
  b. review the client's medication list since BUN can be affected by many specific medications.
  c. instruct the client on collecting a 24-hour urine specimen for a more detailed analy-sis.
  d. assure the client that an elevated BUN is normal in older adults.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

akpaschal

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 342
Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Recommended INR for an individual with atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention in individuals over age 75 is 2.0-3.0.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
BUN can be elevated as a result of certain medication therapies and so the nurse should assess for this possibility. An elevated BUN is not diagnostic of renal failure alone and will not neces-sarily be reflected in physical symptoms. A 24-hour urine sample will not generally be done to determine BUN levels. An elevated BUN is not expected as a normal part of aging. Renal func-tioning decreases substantially with aging, but in most cases the body is able to compensate ade-quately with only slight increases in laboratory findings.





 

Did you know?

There used to be a metric calendar, as well as metric clocks. The metric calendar, or "French Republican Calendar" divided the year into 12 months, but each month was divided into three 10-day weeks. Each day had 10 decimal hours. Each hour had 100 decimal minutes. Due to lack of popularity, the metric clocks and calendars were ended in 1795, three years after they had been first marketed.

Did you know?

Limit intake of red meat and dairy products made with whole milk. Choose skim milk, low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Limit fried food. Use healthy oils when cooking.

Did you know?

After a vasectomy, it takes about 12 ejaculations to clear out sperm that were already beyond the blocked area.

Did you know?

Astigmatism is the most common vision problem. It may accompany nearsightedness or farsightedness. It is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, but sometimes it is the result of an irregularly shaped lens. Either type can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Did you know?

Congestive heart failure is a serious disorder that carries a reduced life expectancy. Heart failure is usually a chronic illness, and it may worsen with infection or other physical stressors.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library