Question

A nurse is preparing to administer warfarin to a client who has a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse check prior to giving the medication?

a) Platelet count
b) Prothrombin time (PT)
c) White blood cell count
d) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Answer 1

Prior to administering warfarin, the nurse should check the prothrombin time (PT) laboratory value to ensure the client's blood is clotting within the therapeutic range.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to administering warfarin to a client with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, the nurse should check the prothrombin time (PT) laboratory value.

The prothrombin time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which prolongs the PT.

By checking the PT, the nurse can ensure that the client's blood is clotting within the therapeutic range before administering warfarin.