Question

The client is receiving Coumadin (warfarin sodium has a Protime level of 44 seconds). The nurse should anticipate an order for which of the following? A. AquaMEPHYTON B. Physostigmine C. Ropivacaine D. Methimazole

Short answer

Answer: The nurse should anticipate an order for AquaMEPHYTON (Vitamin K).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Protime Level and Coumadin

Protime, or prothrombin time, is a measure of how long it takes blood to clot. A higher Protime indicates that it takes longer for the blood to clot and increases the risk of bleeding. Coumadin (warfarin sodium) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. A high Protime level in a client receiving Coumadin suggests that the anticoagulant effect is excessive.

Review the Four Given Medication Options

A. AquaMEPHYTON (Vitamin K): Vitamin K is an essential factor in the blood clotting process and can be used as an antidote for excessive anticoagulation. B. Physostigmine: This is a drug used to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder. C. Ropivacaine: This is a local anesthetic used for blocking nerve conduction. D. Methimazole: This is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism.

Identify the Correct Medication

Since the client has a high Protime level, we need to look for a medication that can reverse the excessive anticoagulant effect of Coumadin. AquaMEPHYTON (Vitamin K) is the correct choice because it plays a crucial role in the blood clotting process and serves as an antidote for excessive anticoagulation.

Final Answer

The nurse should anticipate an order for AquaMEPHYTON (Vitamin K) because it can reverse the excessive anticoagulant effect of Coumadin in a client with a high Protime level.