Question

A nurse is caring for a patient receiving heparin therapy. The nurse instructs the patient and family that certain foods must be taken in limited quantity as they interfere with the effect of the therapy. Which foods must be taken in limited quantity?

1) Foods rich in vitamin A

2) Foods rich in vitamin C

3) Foods rich in vitamin K

4) Foods rich in Vitamin D

Answer 1

Foods rich in vitamin K must be taken in limited quantity as they interfere with the effect of heparin therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse instructs the patient and family that foods rich in vitamin K must be taken in limited quantity as they interfere with the effect of heparin therapy. Vitamin K assists in blood clotting, and heparin therapy is designed to prevent blood clotting. Therefore, consuming foods rich in vitamin K can counteract the effects of heparin therapy. The patient receiving heparin therapy should be advised on limiting intake of foods rich in vitamin K. This vitamin plays a critical role in the blood clotting process. Heparin is an anticoagulant, which means it works to prevent blood clots from forming and growing larger. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin K can counteract the effect of heparin, thus maintaining an appropriate balance is crucial. Foods high in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, as well as cauliflower, soybeans, and wheat germ. Patient education on dietary considerations is an essential aspect of nursing care, particularly when a patient is on medications that have specific food interactions. In the context of heparin therapy, understanding the relationship between dietary vitamin K and the medication's anticoagulant effects is vital for both the patient and healthcare providers.