The patient is being discharged on warfarin (Coumadin) following ...

[Davideckstein7]

The patient is being discharged on warfarin (Coumadin) following a valve replacement. The nurse has completed medication education and determines that learning has occurred when the patient makes which statement?
 
  1. I must wear a MedicAlert bracelet that says I'm on warfarin (Coumadin).
  2. If I notice any bruising or bleeding I will need to have lab work done.
  3. I can take enteric-coated aspirin, but not plain aspirin for my arthritis.
  4. I must limit my intake of vitamin C while I'm on warfarin (Coumadin).

Question 2

The patient receives warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse notes that the patient's morning international normalized ratio (INR) is 7-. What are the priority nursing interventions at this time?
 
  1. Hold the next dose of warfarin (Coumadin) and repeat the international normalized ratio (INR).
  2. Administer protamine sulfate and hold the next dose of warfarin (Coumadin).
  3. Hold the next dose of warfarin (Coumadin) and contact the physician.
  4. Administer vitamin K and hold the next dose of warfarin (Coumadin).

[ASDFGJLO]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Patients on anticoagulant therapy should wear a MedicAlert bracelet. Aspirin is not allowed when a patient is on anticoagulant therapy. Lab work must be done routinely, not just if the patient notices bruising or bleeding. The intake of Vitamin K, not Vitamin C must be limited when a patient receives warfarin (Coumadin).

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin (Coumadin) overdose and its administration is warranted with an international normalized ratio (INR) of 7-. Repeating the international normalized ratio (INR) is appropriate, but the patient must receive vitamin K immediately. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin, not warfarin. Consulting the physician is appropriate, but the patient must receive vitamin K immediately.

[Davideckstein7]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[ASDFGJLO]

Great! Please up vote