Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of DVT and is receiving warfarin. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the med is effective?

a) Increased prothrombin time (PT)
b) Elevated platelet count
c) Decreased international normalized ratio (INR)
d) Low activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Answer 1

The effectiveness of warfarin in a patient with DVT is indicated by an increased PT and INR. This is because warfarin's action of inhibiting clotting factors results in slower blood clotting, which these tests measure. The correct answer to the nurse's question is an increased prothrombin time (PT).

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) receiving warfarin should look for an increased Prothrombin Time (PT) and increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) to indicate that the medication is effective. Warfarin works by inhibiting the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which extends the time it takes for blood to clot. Therefore, an increased INR is a sign that blood is clotting more slowly, which is the therapeutic goal of warfarin therapy to prevent the development or extension of a clot. Other laboratory tests like platelet count and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are not the primary indicators for the effectiveness of warfarin. Specifically, the correct answer to the nurse's assessment question is a) Increased prothrombin time (PT).