Question

A patient diagnosed with a stroke is ordered to receive warfarin (Coumadin). Later, the nurse learns that the warfarin is contraindicated and the order is canceled. The nurse knows that the best alternative medication to give is which of the following?

a) Ticlodipine (Ticlid)
b) Dipyridamole (Persantine)
c) Clopidogrel (Plavix)
d) Aspirin

Answer 1

The alternative medication to warfarin for a stroke patient who cannot take it is clopidogrel (Plavix), particularly due to its use in dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) alongside aspirin, which is effective in preventing cardiovascular events and strokes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best alternative medication to warfarin (Coumadin) for a patient with a stroke who cannot take this medication would be clopidogrel (Plavix). As per guidelines, clopidogrel plus aspirin, known as dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT), reduces cardiovascular events more effectively than aspirin alone in patients with an acute STEMI. Clopidogrel is also often prescribed to prevent first or recurrent stroke, making it a suitable alternative in scenarios where warfarin is contraindicated.