Question

A client is being discharged with a prescription for warfarin. The client asks "May I take aspirin with this medication? It helps my arthritis." Which response by the nurse is appropriate to address the client's concern?

A
"Avoid aspirin because it can increase the bleeding effects of warfarin. Correct Answer (Blank)
B
"Take the warfarin in the morning and the aspirin at night."
C
"Use about half the recommended dose of aspirin."
D
"When you take the aspirin, do not take the warfarin that day."

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to avoid aspirin while taking warfarin due to an increased risk of bleeding. Aspirin is an NSAID with anticoagulant effects that can lead to complications when taken with warfarin. Alternative pain management strategies should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate response by the nurse to the client's question regarding the concurrent use of warfarin and aspirin for arthritis pain would be: "Avoid aspirin because it can increase the bleeding effects of warfarin." Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits platelet aggregation and can increase bleeding risk, especially when combined with warfarin, an anticoagulant. This combination significantly raises the chances of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. As an alternative, acetaminophen may be recommended since it does not have the same anticoagulant properties as aspirin and may have fewer side effects, but it should be discussed with the healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the client.