Question

A client is to fake warfarin sodium (Coumadin) 5 mg p.o at home. Which should be included in the client’s discharge instructions?

a) tell your dentist that you are taking Coumadin

b) treat headaches with aspirin rather than acetaminophen

c) take the medication with meals

d) eat a diet in green leafy vegetables

Answer 1

For a client taking warfarin sodium the most important discharge advice that have to be given is to inform their health care providers that they are on anticoagulants.Because the patient has high risk for bleeding.So precautions should be taken before doing any minor procedures like dental cleaning, biopsies etc.Bleeding gums is one of the common side effect of warfarin therapy.The patient should be aware of it .

Warfarin sodium has many drug interactions.Aspirin and some other NSAIDS including paracetamol can increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking Coumadin as they have antiplatelet actions.So the patient should be educated to avoid the use of such over the counter drugs without doctors instructions.

Warfarin sodium can be taken withorwithor without meals.Food does not interact with the metabolism of this drug.

Diet changes can affect the bleeding tendency in patients taking warfarin. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce are rich souce of vitamin K .Coumadin acts by interfering with molecular mechanisms involved in blood clotting ,which needs vitamin k.Excessive use of vitamin k rich substances can lessen the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.But consistent weekly use of vitamin k is essential for health of heart and bones.So a well balanced diet should be maintained.