Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam Questions related questions and content

The client on warfarin has an INR of 5.5. What is the priority nursing action?

  • A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
  • B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
  • C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
  • D. Administer fresh frozen plasma.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer vitamin K as an antidote. An INR of 5.5 indicates the client is at risk for bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation from warfarin. Administering vitamin K helps reverse the effects of warfarin and lowers the INR back to the therapeutic range. Holding the next dose of warfarin (B) is important but not the priority over administering the antidote. Increasing the dose of warfarin (C) would worsen the situation. Administering fresh frozen plasma (D) is not a standard treatment for high INR levels due to warfarin.