PT INR critical level, not once, not twice

Nurses General Nursing

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Her family requested that only a nurse give her her coumadin. AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES...In the last month her PT level had reached critical. She is currently on antibiotics and we believe that is the problem. The last time I was asked to give her her coumadin I refused, and I will continue to refuse as long as her PT level remains unstable. She could bleed to death at any time. I totally agree with her family. A nurse and her doctor should monitor her very closely at least for a while. Was I wrong?

I have few questions.

1. What is her INR when you refuse to give this Coumadin?

2. Does she have a DVT, valve replacement, s/p hip surgery?

3. What abx is she on? What is her albumin?

What is the connection between the Albumin level and the INR? Thanks.

What is the connection between the Albumin level and the INR? Thanks.

Indirect, I assume. Albumin has an effect on drug distribution--so if she has a low albumin level, it could effect her levels of abx which could then affect (according to the OP) the INR.

That's what I'm thinking, anyway.

NurseFirst

sounds like a doc/nurse should be monitoring this....you don't mess around w/coumadin.

and yes, whenever a pt goes on abx, coumadin is usually lowered by the md with levels drawn within the week. i don't understand why no one is monitoring this.

leslie

What I don't get is why the doc hasn't given orders to hold coumadin? I'm assuming you have med techs? We don't use them here in PA, but you would still need orders for the coumadin and lab work.

Our pharmacy will normally call us and remind us to get PT and INR at the start of ABt and at least every 3 days or more.

If you get a critical level, hold the dose and call the doc.....no second guessing.

Sounds to me as if you did the right thing for the patient and yourself. Of course a nurse should have been and should be following this patient closely. The doctor should be doing a better job with the labs, lowering of dose while on abx, and orders for long term management. The Vit K issue needs to be addressed too. Sounds like this patient has a guardian angel in you and that facility should be giving you a pat on the back. :balloons:

Thank you all so very much. I hope the doc figures this one out. My guess, though, is that this will be a recurring problem that will require vigilant monitoring.

Sounds to me as if you did the right thing for the patient and yourself. Of course a nurse should have been and should be following this patient closely. The doctor should be doing a better job with the labs, lowering of dose while on abx, and orders for long term management. The Vit K issue needs to be addressed too. Sounds like this patient has a guardian angel in you and that facility should be giving you a pat on the back. :balloons:
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