A previously healthy patient develops sepsis. The patient's lab tests reveal deterioration of renal and hepatic function, and the provider orders drotrecogin alfa (Xigris) to be given intravenously at a rate of 1,440 mcg per hour for 96 hours. The patient, who weighs 60 kg, has a history of myocardial infarction and takes 81 mg of aspirin daily. What will the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients should take drotrecogin alfa with caution if they have used more than 650 mL of aspirin within 7 days. This patient has used less than that, so the medication should be given as ordered while monitoring for signs of bleeding, which may occur as a side effect of the drug. Drotrecogin alfa is not contraindicated with aspirin but should be used with caution with higher doses. It is not necessary to decrease the dose of drotrecogin alfa with this dose of aspirin. Platelets are not indicated.

A Previously Healthy Patient Develops Sepsis