A client scheduled for surgery tomorrow says, "I took my warfarin this morning like usual." What is the nurse's priority action?

1 Document the finding only after surgery is complete.
2 Notify the surgeon or provider before the procedure. ✓ Correct answer
3 Tell the client to take an extra dose tonight.
4 Reassure the client that warfarin does not affect surgery.

Explanation

Warfarin increases bleeding risk and must be reported before surgery so the team can evaluate coagulation status and procedure safety. Extra dosing is unsafe. Documentation alone is not enough before an invasive procedure.

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In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Preoperative medication history can change surgical safety.

Memory Tip
Warfarin before surgery: report before incision.

Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
Preoperative assessment includes anticoagulant use, bleeding history, labs, allergies, and medication reconciliation.

Caution
Do not assume the surgical team already knows about a recent anticoagulant dose.

Key concepts

Warfarin — An oral anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk.
Medication Reconciliation — Verification of current medications and recent doses.
Bleeding Risk — The likelihood of excessive or uncontrolled bleeding.

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For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.

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A client scheduled for surgery tomorrow says, "I took my warfarin this morning like usual." What is the nurse's priority action?

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

Key concepts

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