The nurse is preparing to give a dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and learns that the patient takes warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse will request an order for:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

TMP-SMX can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is important to monitor the patient's coagulation studies (e.g. INR) to adjust the warfarin dose accordingly. A decreased dose of TMP-SMX or a different antibiotic may be considered, but coagulation studies should still be monitored. An increased dose of warfarin would further increase the risk of bleeding and is not appropriate.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Give a Dose of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole