Question

A client with atrial fibrillation who is receiving maintenance therapy of warfarin sodium (Coumadin) has a prothrombin time (PT) of 35 seconds. On the basis of the PT, the nurse anticipates which prescription?

1. Adding a dose of heparin sodium
2. Holding the next dose of warfarin
3. Increasing the next dose of warfarin
4. Administering the next dose of warfarin

Answer 1

When a client on warfarin has a prothrombin time (PT) of 35 seconds, indicating excessive anticoagulation, the nurse should anticipate holding the next dose of warfarin for safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the scenario where a client with atrial fibrillation and on maintenance therapy with warfarin sodium (Coumadin) has a prothrombin time (PT) of 35 seconds, a nurse would anticipate holding the next dose of warfarin. Warfarin therapy requires careful monitoring of PT and INR to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained without reaching excessive anticoagulation, which can lead to bleeding complications. A PT of 35 seconds is typically considered higher than the normal therapeutic range, indicating that the anticoagulant effect of warfarin is too strong at that moment. Therefore, holding the dose allows the PT to return to a safer, therapeutic range.