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A patient who has atrial fibrillation is taking warfarin and has an INR of 2.5.The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend which medication?
Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the likelihood of harmful bleeding. NSAIDs can also cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because naproxen is another NSAID that has the same risks as ibuprofen. Naproxen should be avoided by patients taking warfarin.
The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever. The nurse will recommend acetaminophen, which is the safest pain reliever while taking warfarin. Acetaminophen does not interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and does not increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D is wrong because aspirin is also an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. Aspirin can also cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and allergic reactions. The normal range for INR is 2 to 3 for patients with atrial fibrillation who are taking warfarin. An INR of 2.5 indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer to clot than normal, but not too long. The patient should have regular blood tests to monitor their INR and adjust their warfarin dose if needed.
The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever. The nurse will recommend acetaminophen, which is the safest pain reliever while taking warfarin. Acetaminophen does not interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and does not increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the likelihood of harmful bleeding.
NSAIDs can also cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because naproxen is another NSAID that has the same risks as ibuprofen.
Naproxen should be avoided by patients taking warfarin.
Choice D is wrong because aspirin is also an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Aspirin can also cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and allergic reactions.
The normal range for INR is 2 to 3 for patients with atrial fibrillation who are taking warfarin.
An INR of 2.5 indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer to clot than normal, but not too long.
The patient should have regular blood tests to monitor their INR and adjust their warfarin dose if needed.