The nurse evaluates a prothrombin time (PT/INR) for a patient who is taking heparin. The nurse's initial action should be to:
A) document the findings in the medical record.
B) notify the laboratory that they have made an error.
C) check the primary care provider's order.
D) notify the primary care provider of the laboratory finding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Check the primary care provider's orders to determine what test was ordered. If the PT/INR was ordered, confer with the charge nurse or primary care provider as to the intent. The PT/INR measures the effectiveness of the drug warfarin (Coumadin), not heparin. A partial thromboplastin is the test used to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin.

The Nurse Evaluates a Prothrombin Time (PT/INR) for a Patient