A client with osteoarthritis is prescribed diclofenac sodium. The LPN should verify the prescription with the RN if which other medication is listed?

A client with osteoarthritis is prescribed diclofenac sodium. The LPN should verify the prescription with the RN if which other medication is listed?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Warfarin
• C. Metformin
• D. Lisinopril

Answer: (B)

This question centers on drug interactions and the safety check needed when NSAIDs are used with anticoagulants. Diclofenac is an NSAID, and warfarin is an anticoagulant; together they raise the risk of serious bleeding. NSAIDs can irritate the GI tract and impair platelet function, while warfarin reduces blood clotting. The combination substantially increases chances of GI bleeding or other bleeding events, so the LPN should verify the prescription with the RN before administration to ensure appropriate monitoring (like INR) and to decide if an alternative pain relief should be used. Acetaminophen is generally safer in this context, though very high doses can subtly affect warfarin metabolism; metformin and lisinopril don’t have significant interactions with warfarin in typical use. The key point is recognizing the heightened bleeding risk with NSAIDs and warfarin, which is why verification with RN is essential when both are listed.

This question centers on drug interactions and the safety check needed when NSAIDs are used with anticoagulants. Diclofenac is an NSAID, and warfarin is an anticoagulant; together they raise the risk of serious bleeding. NSAIDs can irritate the GI tract and impair platelet function, while warfarin reduces blood clotting. The combination substantially increases chances of GI bleeding or other bleeding events, so the LPN should verify the prescription with the RN before administration to ensure appropriate monitoring (like INR) and to decide if an alternative pain relief should be used.

Acetaminophen is generally safer in this context, though very high doses can subtly affect warfarin metabolism; metformin and lisinopril don’t have significant interactions with warfarin in typical use. The key point is recognizing the heightened bleeding risk with NSAIDs and warfarin, which is why verification with RN is essential when both are listed.