Question

A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin. The client asks if they can take aspirin while taking the warfarin. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a. "It is safe to take an enteric-coated aspirin."
b. "Aspirin will increase the risk of bleeding."
c. "Acetaminophen mat be substituted for aspirin."
d. "The INR lab work must be monitored more frequently if aspirin is taken."

Answer 1

The correct response to the question is that aspirin will increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, due to its anticoagulant effects. Acetaminophen may be a safer alternative for pain relief because it does not affect platelet aggregation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When addressing a client's question about taking aspirin while on warfarin, the nurse should convey that aspirin has anticoagulant properties that can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when combined with other blood thinners like warfarin. Therefore, the most accurate response would be: "Aspirin will increase the risk of bleeding." It's important to note that while acetaminophen may be considered an alternative to aspirin for some indications, it does not possess the antiplatelet effects necessary for preventing vascular clotting. Furthermore, for patients who must take both medications, increased monitoring of lab work, such as the INR, is essential to ensure safety.