A patient is scheduled to have mitral valve replacement surgery. He has been taking warfarin therapy because he has atrial fibrillation (AF). What changes to the patient's anticoagulant therapy should the nurse consider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should consider stopping warfarin 4-5 days prior to the surgery and administering a heparin product preoperatively as a "bridge" if there is a high risk of thrombosis (e.g., if the patient has a large left atrium, atrial fibrillation, or a mitral valve prosthesis).

A Patient Is Scheduled to Have Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery