Question

A patient with a complicated medical history including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and arthritis, called the HCP office to speak with the nurse about "all of these bruises I have all of the sudden." Which potential drug interactions should concern the nurse with these symptoms?

a. aspirin and warfarin
b. Sulfasalazine and acetaminophen
c. Tolmetin and propranolol
d. Meloxicam and amlodipine.

Answer 1

The nurse should be concerned about the interaction between aspirin and warfarin leading to sudden bruising in a patient with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and arthritis, due to the combined anticoagulant effects increasing the risk of bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's medical history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and arthritis, along with the symptom of sudden bruising, suggests that the nurse should be concerned about the potential drug interaction between aspirin and warfarin. Aspirin is an NSAID that affects platelet function and increases bleeding time, while warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. When taken together, the risk of bleeding and bruising increases significantly. This interaction is the most concerning because both drugs have an additive effect on anticoagulation. Other NSAIDs like meloxicam may also increase bleeding risk, but without the presence of an anticoagulant like warfarin, the concern is less than the combination of aspirin and warfarin.