The nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) therapy after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation
The patient tells the nurse that he doesn't want to take any more pills and asks what could happen if he doesn't fill the prescription. What is the nurse's best response?
a.
"You could have a stroke."
b.
"Your kidneys could fail."
c.
"You could develop heart failure."
d.
"You could go into respiratory failure."
ANS: A
A major complication of chronic atrial fibrillation is formation of blood clots within the atria as a result of sluggish blood flow. Anticoagulation therapy is common to prevent blood clot formation that could travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
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