While preparing morning treatments on a telemetry unit, a licensed practical nurse checks the latest laboratory values for a client who takes warfarin sodium daily for atrial fibrillation. The laboratory report indicates an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 5.5. What is the appropriate nursing action concerning the morning dose of this anticoagulant?
- ADeliver the ordered dose and observe the client for hematuria or ecchymosis.
- BReduce the amount of medication administered to safely lower the coagulation level.
- Hold the scheduled dose and urgently report the elevated value to the primary registered nurse.Cevap
- DAdminister the standard dose but advise the client to use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Cevap
Hold the scheduled dose and urgently report the elevated value to the primary registered nurse.
The therapeutic INR range for a client on warfarin therapy is typically 2.0 to 3.0. An INR of 5.5 is critically high and indicates a significant risk for spontaneous bleeding. The LPN's scope of practice requires recognizing this critical laboratory value, withholding the medication that would exacerbate the condition, and immediately reporting the finding to the supervising registered nurse or healthcare provider for further medical orders.
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Anahtar Kavram
Recognizing critical laboratory values related to pharmacological therapies and adhering to pre-administration withholding criteria within the LPN scope of practice.