The nurse evaluates the effects of warfarin by monitoring what lab test?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationalePlatelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting. However, it is not specific to monitoring the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.Choice B rationaleActivated thromboplastin time (APT) measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is typically used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.Choice C rationaleRed blood count (RBC) measures the number of red blood cells in the blood, which can indicate anemia but is unrelated to the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.Choice D rationaleProthrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) are specific tests used to monitor the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot, and INR standardizes this measurement to ensure consistency across different laboratories.