A patient who takes warfarin [Coumadin] is brought to the emergency department after accidentally taking too much warfarin. The patient's heart rate is 78 beats/min, and the blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. A dipstick urinalysis is normal. The patient does not have any obvious hematoma or petechiae and does not complain of pain. The nurse will anticipate an order for:

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This patient does not exhibit any signs of bleeding from a warfarin overdose. The vital signs are stable; there are no hematomas or petechiae; and the patient does not have pain. A PT and INR should be drawn to evaluate the anticoagulant effects. Vitamin K may be given if laboratory values indicate overdose. Protamine sulfate is given for heparin overdose. PTT evaluation is used to monitor heparin therapy.

A Patient Who Takes Warfarin [Coumadin] Is Brought to the Emergency