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."
ANS: D
When switching from warfarin to dabigatran, patients should stop taking the warfarin and begin taking the dabigatran when the INR is less than 2. It is not correct to begin taking the dabigatran before stopping the warfarin. While warfarin is stopped before beginning the dabigatran, the decision to start taking the dabigatran is based on the patient's INR and not on the amount of time that has elapsed.
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