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Wafarin knowledge test answers |
On this page you will find the answers to the wafarin knowledge test. Please try to answer all the questions on the wafarin knowledge test before you check the answers
Warfarin is monitored by
b) blood tests
To prevent complications people taking warfarin need regular blood tests. You should record the results of these INR (International Normalised Ratio) tests and the dose of warfarin you take. Your blood can be tested at any time and fasting is not necessary for an accurate assessment of INR. You must call your doctor the next day after your blood test for advice on dosage and frequency of testing. Please try to arrange your tests so you can speak with your own doctor the next day, as not every doctor works every day, ask you doctor what day will be best to test.
You should take your warfarin
b) at approximately the same time every day
Warfarin is best taken at the same time each day, traditionally 6 pm, but ideally at a time when you are most likely to remember to take it. There are two brands of Wafarin, Coumadin and Mavaran. The doses of these brands are not necessarily equivalent and you should stick to one brand or the other.
You should tell your doctor about
a) unexplained bruising, nose bleeds, and bleeding gums
c) blood in your urine
e) blood in your bowel motions
f) diarrhoea or vomiting
g) medication changes
If you are taking warfarin and have abnormal bleeding you should see your doctor. Your doctors will check your INR and advise you on what to do if your INR is raised, this advice will be based the indication for the warfarin, your risk of bleeding and whether it is safe to continue therapy at all.
Diarrhoea or vomiting can affect your absorption of warfarin and more frequent testing may be required or even conversion, temporarily, to an injectable form of anticoagulation such as heparin.
Warfarin interacts with many medicines, herbs as well as some foods. Many interactions are unpredictable, so you will need to have your blood tested more often when you start or stop a new medicine or change its dose. We usually recommend tests twice weekly until the INR is stable for a week or two. Antibiotics are a common cause for over-anticoagulation
Large amounts of Vitamin K are found in
b) leafy green vegetables
c) raw cabbage, broccoli, green tea
Warfarin dose is affected by the amount of Vitamin K in you diet. Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables. Foods high in vitamin K include green tea, turnips, avocados, brussel sprouts, broccoli and green leafy vegetables (e.g. lettuce, cabbage). There is no such thing as a ‘warfarin diet’ it takes a very large daily intake of `greens' to influence the INR. A consistently sustained diet will minimise the risk of a fluctuating INR results. Consider testing twice weekly when diet changes, such as during illness, travel, fad diets, hospitalisation and following surgery.
If you forget your dose, you should
b) miss it but tell us at your next test
If you miss a dose no not double up just let us know of the missed dose when you call for the INR result. If you miss more than two doses you should be seen at the surgery.
It is essential to always call for my INR result.
True
You must call your doctor the next day for advice on dosage and frequency of testing. Please try to arrange your tests so you can speak with your own doctor the next day. As not every doctor works every day ask you doctor what day will be best to test. It is dangerous to assume everything is OK because you do not hear from us.
An increase in alcohol intake can be dangerous while on warfarin.
True
Alcohol in small to moderate amounts probably has little effect on warfarin metabolism. In heavy drinkers, however, the risk of bleeding is greatly increased.
While on warfarin, it’s okay to take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs without a prescription from your doctor.
False
Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs increase the bleeding risk because of effects on platelets. Platelets are small particles in the blood that assist with clot formation)
I need to remind all my doctors, my dentist, pharmacists and naturopaths that you are taking warfarin.
True
Because warfarin will affect bleeding from surgery it is critical for your doctor and dentist to be aware you are on this medication. Warfarin interacts with many other medicines and herbs as well as some foods. Many interactions are unpredictable, so you will need to have your blood tested more often when you start or stop a new medicine or change its dose.
Women should not attempt to get pregnant whilst on warfarin
True
Warfarin in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and causes bleeding in mother and child, so it is generally not prescribed in pregnancy. Warfarin can be taken during breast feeding if required.
If you have any other questions please write them down and ask your doctor at your next visit.
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