Question

A patient has been taking warfarin [Coumadin] for atrial fibrillation. The provider has ordered dabigatran etexilate [Pradaxa] to replace the warfarin. The nurse teaches the patient about the change in drug regimen. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

a. "I may need to adjust the dose of dabigatran after weaning off the warfarin."
b. "I should continue to take the warfarin after beginning the dabigatran until my INR is greater than 3."
c. "I should stop taking the warfarin 3 days before starting the dabigatran."
d. "I will stop taking the warfarin and will start taking the dabigatran when my INR is less than 2."

Answer 1

The correct statement by the patient indicating understanding of the teaching is that they will stop taking the warfarin and start taking the dabigatran when their INR is less than 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement by the patient indicating understanding of the teaching is option d. "I will stop taking the warfarin and will start taking the dabigatran when my INR is less than 2."

Warfarin and dabigatran are both anticoagulant medications used to prevent blood clots. The patient needs to stop taking warfarin and start taking dabigatran once their INR (International Normalized Ratio) is less than 2 to avoid the risk of bleeding. INR is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot, and a level below 2 indicates a lower risk of excessive bleeding.