Which of the following should the nurse include when providing dietary teaching for the patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should include the instruction to avoid drinking large amounts of green tea when providing dietary teaching for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy because green tea contains vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Maintaining consistent intake of vitamin K is important to ensure the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Therefore, it is recommended for patients on warfarin to consume a consistent amount of vitamin K-containing foods and avoid sudden, significant changes in their intake.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement is that the heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reached. Heparin has an immediate onset of action and is used initially to rapidly provide anticoagulation. Warfarin, on the other hand, has a delayed onset of action and requires several days to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. Therefore, heparin is often overlapped with warfarin until the latter reaches its full anticoagulant effect. This overlapping strategy helps prevent a gap in anticoagulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. So, the statement that the heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reached is the most correct in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ibutilide (Corvert) is a class III antiarrhythmic medication primarily used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. It works by prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period of atrial tissue. Therefore, when a nurse notes that a patient will be taking ibutilide, it indicates that the patient likely has atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular electrical activity in the atria of the heart.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, monitoring patients taking diuretics is crucial to assess their response to treatment and prevent potential complications. Daily weight monitoring is essential because diuretics promote fluid loss, which can lead to changes in body weight. Sudden weight gain or loss may indicate fluid retention or dehydration, necessitating dose adjustments or further evaluation by healthcare providers. Intake and output monitoring is also important as diuretics increase urine output, potentially causing electrolyte imbalances. Tracking fluid intake and output helps to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte levels, ensuring patient safety. Monitoring the amount and location of edema is not a direct monitoring parameter for patients taking diuretics. While diuretics are commonly used to reduce edema, the focus should be on assessing the effectiveness of diuretic therapy through weight and fluid balance monitoring rather than solely on edema presence. Appetite monitoring is not directly related to diuretic therapy. While some medications may affect appetite as a side effect, it is not a primary parameter to monitor in patients taking diuretics. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind monitoring parameters for diuretic therapy is essential for nursing students and healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective patient care. Emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring can help prevent adverse effects and optimize treatment outcomes for patients on diuretic therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: It is important to educate a patient that Regular Insulin should be injected subcutaneously to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Injecting the insulin into the subcutaneous tissue allows for a slower and more consistent absorption of the medication, which helps in controlling blood glucose levels effectively. Administering insulin subcutaneously also minimizes the risk of complications associated with other injection sites or techniques.