Question

69. A patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin) 5 mg daily has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5. It is time to administer the next dose of Coumadin. What should the nurse do?

a. Notify the physician STAT.
b. Hold the dose of Coumadin.
c. Prepare to administer vitamin K.
d. Administer the daily Coumadin as ordered.

Answer 1

a. Notify the physician STAT. The nurse should notify the physician stat when a patient taking warfarin has an INR of 2.5.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should NOTIFY THE PHYSICIAN STAT when a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin) has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5. An INR of 2.5 indicates that the blood is clotting slower than usual, posing a risk of bleeding. The physician needs to be informed to determine the appropriate course of action, such as adjusting the dosage of Coumadin or providing additional treatment.