A client has been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis and is to be discharged on warfarin (Coumadin). The client is adamant about refusing the drug because "it's dangerous." What action by the nurse is best?
a. Assess the reason behind the client's fear.
b. Remind the client about laboratory monitoring.
c. Tell the client drugs are safer today than before.
d. Warn the client about consequences of noncompliance.
ANS: A
The first step is to assess the reason behind the client's fear, which may be related to the experience of someone the client knows who took warfarin. If the nurse cannot address the specific rationale, teaching will likely be unsuccessful. Laboratory monitoring once every few weeks may not make the client perceive the drug to be safe. General statements like "drugs are safer today" do not address the root cause of the problem. Warning the client about possible consequences of not taking the drug is not therapeutic and is likely to lead to an adversarial relationship.
You might also like to view...
A 54-year-old has a diagnosis of breast cancer and is tearfully discussing her diagnosis with the nurse. The patient states, "They tell me my cancer is malignant, while my coworker's breast tumor was benign
I just don't understand at all." When preparing a response to this patient, the nurse should be cognizant of what characteristic that distinguishes malignant cells from benign cells of the same tissue type? A) Slow rate of mitosis of cancer cells B) Different proteins in the cell membrane C) Differing size of the cells D) Different molecular structure in the cells
What will placing an herb in alcohol or vinegar make?
a. A suspension b. An emulsion c. An infusion d. A tincture
A client with hypertension has been prescribed oral clonidine hydrochloride. What instruc-tions should the nurse give to this client?
A. "Take this medication at bedtime." B. "Call your health care provider if a rash develops." C. "You will need to have your blood counts monitored regularly." D. "Take this medication by puncturing the capsule and placing the liquid contents under the tongue."
The nurse learns at report that a newly admitted manic client is demonstrating grandiosity. Which statement would be most consistent with this symptom?
1. "I can't do anything anymore." 2. "I'm the world's most astute financier." 3. "I can understand why my wife is upset that I overspend." 4. "I can't understand where all the money in our family goes."