Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is scheduled for an elective surgery. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to discontinue prior to surgery to minimize the risk for complications?

Option 1:
a) Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Option 2:
b) Warfarin (Coumadin)

Option 3:
c) Insulin

Option 4:
d) Aspirin

Answer 1

Warfarin (Coumadin) and Aspirin are two medications that should be discontinued preoperatively due to their blood-thinning properties, which increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is scheduled for elective surgery and must identify medications to discontinue to minimize the risk of complications. Among the provided options, Warfarin (Coumadin) and Aspirin are two particularly noteworthy medications. Warfarin, an anticoagulant, is typically discontinued before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding, as it inhibits the formation and function of blood clots. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), also affects blood clotting by interfering with the action of platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding. Aspirin should not be taken for 10-14 days before surgery for this reason. Hence, in the context of preoperative medication adjustment, either Warfarin (Coumadin) or Aspirin would likely be discontinued.