When caring for a client receiving warfarin (Coumadin), which lab test would the nurse monitor to determine therapeutic response to the drug?
- Bleeding time
- Prothrombin time (PT)***
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- Coagulation time
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What is a blood test?
A blood test is when a blood sample is taken for analysis in a laboratory. Doctors send blood tests to evaluate things like glucose concentration, hemoglobin or white blood cells. This can help detect problems, such as a disease or medical condition. Sometimes, blood tests can help you know how well an organ is working (such as the liver or kidneys).
What is prothrombin time?
The prothrombin time (TP) test measures the time it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. Coagulation capacity is important to prevent excessive bleeding. There are some proteins (called coagulation factors) that are essential for blood to clot well. If there is not a sufficient amount of clotting factors or if one of them does not work as it should work, clot formation may take longer than usual.
Why is this test done?
TP is done to evaluate bleeding problems. The child may have this test if he has bled a lot or has had many bruises, if he has a medical condition that can cause problems related to coagulation, if he is going to have surgery or if he is going to have a procedure that can cause bleeding. . The TP test is also done to determine the level of coagulation in children who are taking anticoagulant medications.
How should we prepare for the test?
Your child can eat and drink normally, unless they also have to do another test at the same time that requires prior fasting. Tell your child's doctor about any medications you are taking because there are some medications that can influence the test results.
The fact that your child is wearing a short-sleeved shirt on the day of the test can make things easier; They can also carry a toy or a book to get distracted.
How is the test done?
In most blood tests, a blood sample is drawn from a vein. For this purpose, a health professional:
clean the skin:
- Place a rubber (tourniquet) around the area so that the veins swell with blood.
- Insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm, either on the inside of the elbow, or on the back of the hand).
- Insert the blood sample into a bottle or syringe.
- remove the rubber and remove the needle from the vein
In infants, blood can be drawn from a puncture in the heel. After cleaning the area, the healthcare professional will make a small puncture in the baby's heel with a small needle (or lancet) to collect a small sample of blood.
The extraction of a blood sample only causes temporary discomfort and the only thing you feel is a short prick.
- Bleeding time
- Prothrombin time (PT)***
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- Coagulation time
-----------------------------
What is a blood test?
A blood test is when a blood sample is taken for analysis in a laboratory. Doctors send blood tests to evaluate things like glucose concentration, hemoglobin or white blood cells. This can help detect problems, such as a disease or medical condition. Sometimes, blood tests can help you know how well an organ is working (such as the liver or kidneys).
What is prothrombin time?
The prothrombin time (TP) test measures the time it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. Coagulation capacity is important to prevent excessive bleeding. There are some proteins (called coagulation factors) that are essential for blood to clot well. If there is not a sufficient amount of clotting factors or if one of them does not work as it should work, clot formation may take longer than usual.
Why is this test done?
TP is done to evaluate bleeding problems. The child may have this test if he has bled a lot or has had many bruises, if he has a medical condition that can cause problems related to coagulation, if he is going to have surgery or if he is going to have a procedure that can cause bleeding. . The TP test is also done to determine the level of coagulation in children who are taking anticoagulant medications.
How should we prepare for the test?
Your child can eat and drink normally, unless they also have to do another test at the same time that requires prior fasting. Tell your child's doctor about any medications you are taking because there are some medications that can influence the test results.
The fact that your child is wearing a short-sleeved shirt on the day of the test can make things easier; They can also carry a toy or a book to get distracted.
How is the test done?
In most blood tests, a blood sample is drawn from a vein. For this purpose, a health professional:
clean the skin:
- Place a rubber (tourniquet) around the area so that the veins swell with blood.
- Insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm, either on the inside of the elbow, or on the back of the hand).
- Insert the blood sample into a bottle or syringe.
- remove the rubber and remove the needle from the vein
In infants, blood can be drawn from a puncture in the heel. After cleaning the area, the healthcare professional will make a small puncture in the baby's heel with a small needle (or lancet) to collect a small sample of blood.
The extraction of a blood sample only causes temporary discomfort and the only thing you feel is a short prick.
