Author Question: A patient who is taking warfarin has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.5. The nurse will ... (Read 24 times)

panfilo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who is taking warfarin has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.5. The nurse will anticipate giving

a. fresh frozen plasma.
b. intravenous iron.
c. oral vitamin K.
d. protamine sulfate.

Question 2

A nursing student asks why the anticoagulant heparin is given to patients who have disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and are at risk for excessive bleeding. The nurse will explain that heparin is used in this case for which reason?

a. To decrease the risk of venous thrombosis
b. To dissolve blood clots as they form
c. To enhance the formation of fibrous clots
d. To preserve platelet function

babybsemail · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Vitamin K is an antagonist against warfarin, an oral anticoagulant. Patients with an INR of 5.5 should be given a low dose of oral vitamin K. Too much vitamin K may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin for up to 2 weeks. Fresh frozen plasma and intravenous iron are given for anemia caused by blood loss. Protamine sulfate is given for heparin overdose.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The primary use of heparin for patients with DIC is to prevent venous thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism or stroke. Heparin does not break down blood clots, enhance the formation of fibrous clots, or preserve platelet function.