a nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin which of the following instructions should the nurse include

ATI RN

ATI Proctored Pharmacology 2023

1. A client has a new prescription for Warfarin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
B. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
C. Expect to have increased urination.
D. Take the medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting Warfarin is to monitor for signs of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding; therefore, it is crucial for the client to watch for any signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stools, or unusual bleeding from gums or nose. If any of these signs occur, the client should promptly report them to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding foods high in vitamin K is related to other medications like Coumadin, increased urination is not a common side effect of Warfarin, and taking Warfarin with an antacid can potentially interfere with its absorption.

2. When taking Digoxin, low levels of what can cause toxicity?

A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Low potassium levels can lead to Digoxin toxicity. Digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium pump. When potassium levels are low, there is an increased risk of Digoxin binding and toxicity. Choice B (Calcium) is incorrect because low calcium levels are not directly linked to Digoxin toxicity. Choice C (Sodium) is incorrect as low sodium levels do not cause Digoxin toxicity. Choice D (Magnesium) is incorrect as low magnesium levels do not contribute to Digoxin toxicity.

3. A client has a new prescription for a combination of oral NRTIs (abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine) for the treatment of HIV. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in teaching the client?

A. These medications work by blocking HIV entry into cells.
B. These medications work by weakening the cell wall of the HIV virus.
C. These medications work by inhibiting enzymes to prevent HIV replication.
D. These medications work by preventing protein synthesis within the HIV cell.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The NRTI antiretroviral medications this client is prescribed work by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, thus preventing HIV replication. By inhibiting this crucial enzyme, the drug interferes with the virus's ability to replicate and spread in the body. Choice A is incorrect because NRTIs do not block HIV entry into cells. Choice B is incorrect as NRTIs do not weaken the cell wall of the virus. Choice D is incorrect as NRTIs do not prevent protein synthesis within the HIV cell.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer heparin 15,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours. The available heparin injection is 20,000 units/mL. How many milliliters should the healthcare professional administer per dose?

A. 0.8 mL
B. 0.75 mL
C. 0.5 mL
D. 1 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the volume to administer, use the formula: Desired dose / Concentration = Volume to administer. In this case, (15,000 units / 20,000 units/mL) = 0.75 mL. Since the volume needs to be rounded up to the nearest tenth, the correct answer is 0.8 mL. Choice B (0.75 mL) is incorrect because it does not account for rounding up the volume. Choices C (0.5 mL) and D (1 mL) are incorrect as they do not reflect the precise calculation based on the given concentration and desired dose.

5. What is the therapeutic use of Albuterol?

A. Bronchodilation
B. Anti-coagulant
C. Anti-arrhythmic
D. Proton-pump inhibitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchodilation. Albuterol is primarily used for bronchodilation, where it relaxes the muscles in the airways to make breathing easier. This medication is commonly prescribed for conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions where bronchodilation is beneficial. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Albuterol is not used as an anti-coagulant, anti-arrhythmic, or proton-pump inhibitor.