During discharge teaching with a 68-year-old patient who had a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve, the nurse instructs the patient on the
a. use of daily aspirin for anticoagulation.
b. correct method for taking the radial pulse.
c. need for frequent laboratory blood testing.
d. need to avoid any physical activity for 1 month.
ANS: C
Anticoagulation with warfarin (Coumadin) is needed for a patient with mechanical valves to prevent clotting on the valve. This will require frequent international normalized ratio (INR) testing. Daily aspirin use will not be effective in reducing the risk for clots on the valve. Monitoring of the radial pulse is not necessary after valve replacement. Patients should resume activities of daily living as tolerated.
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