Question

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who is taking warfarin to treat atrial fibrillation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect that should be reported to the provider?

a) Decreased INR (International Normalized Ratio)
b) Increased blood pressure
c) Ecchymosis or petechiae
d) Weight gain

Answer 1

The nurse should identify ecchymosis or petechiae as an adverse effect of warfarin that should be reported to the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify ecchymosis or petechiae as an adverse effect of warfarin that should be reported to the provider.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that is commonly used to treat conditions like atrial fibrillation. One of the side effects of warfarin is an increased risk of bleeding. Ecchymosis refers to the formation of large bruises, while petechiae are small, pinpoint spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These findings indicate that the client may be experiencing excessive bleeding, which should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.