A patient who has a deep vein thrombosis is receiving a heparin drip and warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. The patient's gums bled during oral care. What action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bleeding from the gums can be a sign of a complication from anticoagulant therapy. The nurse should notify the registered nurse or healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and possible adjustment of the patient's medications. Turning off the heparin drip or implementing interventions without further evaluation could potentially worsen the patient's condition or lead to further bleeding complications. A saline mouth rinse or mouthwash may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the priority action in this situation.

A Patient Who Has a Deep Vein Thrombosis Is Receiving