Holding Coumadin for lab draw

Nurses Medications

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I have a question regarding Coumadin. In the facility where I work, most lab draws are only done weekly. They are done by nurses, generally around 7:30 am, but sometimes a little later. My question is this, should I hold meds (in particular Coumadin) if the lab draw has not been done before med pass. What is the normal protocol for holding meds. Thank You

Ask the Dr. We give coumadin at 4pm and would only hold if INR was elevated, per our facility order to keep PT/INR within parameters. Every situation is different and if you have a question, ask the DR.

Specializes in medical, telemetry, IMC.

i would hold it until i get the labs back!

at the two hospitals that i have worked at coumadin is always scheduled in the afternoon (one had it scheduled for 1700, the other one for 1800) for this reason! it also gives the md time to check the am labs and possibly adjust the coumadin dose when they do their daily rounds.

Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

PM Coumadin here also. What is the concern for holding Rx, such as Coumadin, until after the draw?

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