A nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy following a mechanical valve replacement. The nurse completed the client's prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio (INR) at 7 a.m., before the morning meal. The client had an INR reading of 4. The nurse's first priority should be to:

A nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy following a mechanical valve replacement. The nurse completed the client's prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio (INR) at 7 a.m., before the morning meal. The client had an INR reading of 4. The nurse's first priority should be to:

A nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy following a mechanical valve replacement. The nurse completed the client's prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio (INR) at 7 a.m., before the morning meal. The client had an INR reading of 4. The nurse's first priority should be to:


a) notify the next shift to hold the daily 5 p.m. dose of warfarin.

b) assess the client for bleeding around the gums or in the stool and notify the physician of the laboratory results and most recent administration of warfarin.

c) call the physician to request an increase in the warfarin dose.

d) give the client an I.M. vitamin K injection and notify the physician of the results.



Answer: assess the client for bleeding around the gums or in the stool and notify the physician of the laboratory results and most recent administration of warfarin.