The home health nurse is monitoring anticoagulant therapy by assessing prothrombin time (PT) laboratory values. Which action, made by the nurse, is the correct response anticipated for a PT level of 21 seconds?
A) No change is dosage.
B) Increase the amount of Coumadin to obtain therapeutic blood level.
C) Decrease the amount of Coumadin to obtain therapeutic blood level.
D) Hold Coumadin therapy until further blood levels are drawn.
A
Feedback:
Frequent monitoring of the prothrombin time (PT) is essential for clients taking oral anticoagulants. The PT levels should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value of 12 to 15 seconds. A value of 21 falls into the therapeutic range; thus, the nurse would anticipate no change in dosage.
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