Vitamin K antagonists
Vitamin K antagonists ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?
Choice A is wrong because patients taking warfarin should not avoid foods that are high in vitamin K, but rather maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage. Vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin and lower its effectiveness, so sudden changes in vitamin K intake can alter the patient’s response to warfarin.
Choice B is wrong because patients taking warfarin should not take aspirin for pain relief. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can also inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding. Patients taking warfarin should avoid NSAIDs and other medications that can interact with warfarin, such as antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, and herbal supplements. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should monitor for signs of bleeding and report them to their healthcare provider. Some signs of bleeding are bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, blood in urine or stool, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Choice D is wrong because patients taking warfarin should not use a hard-bristled toothbrush. A hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum bleeding and increase the risk of oral infection. Patients taking warfarin should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently to prevent gum bleeding. They should also avoid dental procedures that can cause bleeding, such as extractions, implants, or scaling.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should monitor for signs of bleeding and report them to their healthcare provider. Some signs of bleeding are bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, blood in urine or stool, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Choice A is wrong because patients taking warfarin should not avoid foods that are high in vitamin K, but rather maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K.
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage. Vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin and lower its effectiveness, so sudden changes in vitamin K intake can alter the patient’s response to warfarin.
Choice B is wrong because patients taking warfarin should not take aspirin for pain relief.
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can also inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding.
Patients taking warfarin should avoid NSAIDs and other medications that can interact with warfarin, such as antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, and herbal supplements. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements.
Choice D is wrong because patients taking warfarin should not use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
A hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum bleeding and increase the risk of oral infection.
Patients taking warfarin should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently to prevent gum bleeding. They should also avoid dental procedures that can cause bleeding, such as extractions, implants, or scaling.