Question

a nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for clopidogrel. which of the following statements should the nurse make? select all that apply. a \avoid taking herbal supplements while taking this medication.\ b \monitor for the presence of black, tarry stools.\ c \take this medication when you have pain.\ d \schedule a weekly pt test.\ e \limit food sources containing vitamin k while taking this medication.\

Explanation:

• Option A: Herbal supplements like ginkgo and garlic can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with clopidogrel (an anti - platelet drug). So, avoiding them is a correct instruction.
• Option B: Clopidogrel can cause bleeding. Black, tarry stools are a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a potential adverse effect of clopidogrel. Monitoring for this is appropriate.
• Option C: Clopidogrel is an anti - platelet drug used for prevention (e.g., prevention of myocardial infarction, stroke in at - risk patients), not for pain relief. Taking it only when in pain is incorrect.
• Option D: Clopidogrel affects platelet function, and the Prothrombin Time (PT) test is more relevant for assessing warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist) therapy. Platelet function tests (e.g., VerifyNow) are more appropriate for clopidogrel, so scheduling a weekly PT test is wrong.
• Option E: Vitamin K affects warfarin's efficacy (warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist). Clopidogrel's mechanism of action (inhibiting platelet aggregation via ADP receptor blockade) is not affected by vitamin K. Limiting vitamin K foods is not necessary for clopidogrel.

Answer:

A. "Avoid taking herbal supplements while taking this medication."
B. "Monitor for the presence of black, tarry stools."