Final answer:
The nurse's priority action should be to notify the healthcare provider when a client with DVT is mistakenly given heparin along with warfarin, due to the increased risk of bleeding from the combined anticoagulant effect. Subsequent actions include monitoring for bleeding and obtaining coagulation studies, followed by completing an adverse occurrence report.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was mistakenly given heparin in addition to the prescribed warfarin, the priority action the nurse should take is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial because both heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants and their combined effect can significantly increase the risk of bleeding.
Once the provider is informed, subsequent steps will likely include monitoring the patient for signs of bleeding and obtaining blood for coagulation studies to assess the extent of anticoagulation and guide further treatment.
After the immediate safety concerns for the patient have been addressed, the nurse should complete an adverse occurrence report. This report is important for institutional tracking, understanding how the mistake occurred, and developing strategies to prevent similar errors in the future. In all situations, patient safety and stability take precedence over administrative tasks.
Warfarin is a medication that requires careful monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic window and the potential for adverse effects, such as bleeding. Pharmacogenomics can be leveraged to tailor anticoagulant therapies to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, potentially reducing the risk of overdose and adverse effects, and optimizing dose requirements.