Which laboratory blood value is more important for the nurse to monitor with a patient who is prescribed both colestipol (Colestid)and warfarin (Coumadin)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Colestipol can change the action of the anticoagulant warfarin in two ways.They can decrease the absorption of vitamin K,which would intensify the effects of warfarin and increase the risk for bleeding (as evidenced by a high INR).Bile acid sequestrants can also directly bind warfarin in the intestinal tract and cause its rapid elimination.This action would inactivate warfarin activity and increase the risk for clot formation (as evidenced by an INR level that is lower than the therapeutic range).Although all of the above laboratory blood values can help diagnose a bleeding problem,the most sensitive test is the INR.

Which Laboratory Blood Value Is More Important for the Nurse