A client has sustained a head injury and is unconscious in the emergency room. A family member of the client arrives and is providing details of the client's medical history. Which information is of most concern to the nurse?

Question

A) The client is a heart transplant recipient.
B) The client's medications include warfarin (Coumadin).
C) The client is HIV positive.
D) The client has a history of concussions from playing hockey.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
The nurse is most concerned that the client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) because this is a blood thinner. Due to the action of the medication, the client is at a high risk for intracranial bleeding. The cardiovascular system will be assessed, but that is not the area of greatest concern at this time. The nurse will care for the HIV positive client using standard precautions. A history of concussions may indicate past brain damage, but the potential for active bleeding is the highest concern.