Final answer:
A client with a prescription for Coumadin should have a PTT checked monthly. Maintaining consistent dietary vitamin K intake is important, and more frequent monitoring than a CBC every six months may be required.
Step-by-step explanation:
The client discharged with a prescription for Coumadin (sodium warfarin) should be instructed to have a Prothrombin Time (PTT) checked monthly. Coumadin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots, which are a risk for stroke or heart attack patients. Regular monitoring is crucial since the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy are influenced by many factors, including dietary vitamin K intake and interactions with other medications. Therefore, it is important for clients to maintain consistent levels of vitamin K intake rather than increasing the intake of all vegetables, as some vegetables are high in this vitamin. It is not typically recommended for patients on warfarin to have a CBC (Complete Blood Count) drawn every six months solely for warfarin management; more frequent monitoring may be necessary based on individual clinical situations.