Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Care of Elderly Patients Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Care of Elderly Patients related questions and content

Anticoagulant drugs (sometimes called 'blood thinners') are broken down (metabolized) in the liver. Which of the following might be an outcome if a patient has undiagnosed liver disease but is started on anticoagulants?

  • A. There will be an increase in bleeding tendencies.
  • B. The drugs will be ineffective, leading to an increase in clotting tendencies.
  • C. The drugs will be excreted from the body unchanged.
  • D. The drugs will cause more harm to the liver, possibly leading to liver failure.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Undiagnosed liver disease impairs anticoagulant metabolism, leading to drug accumulation and increased bleeding risk due to prolonged effects.