NCLEX · General

A nurse is reconciling a client's medications and finds the client is taking warfarin and was just prescribed aspirin by a different provider. What is the priority action?

Correct answer

Recognize the potential interaction (both increase bleeding risk) and notify the provider before administering — medication reconciliation is a key safety step to catch dangerous interactions and duplications

  1. A Administer both medications as prescribed
  2. B Recognize the potential interaction (both increase bleeding risk) and notify the provider before administering — medication reconciliation is a key safety step to catch dangerous interactions and duplications
  3. C Hold both medications indefinitely
  4. D Tell the client to choose which one to take

Why this is the answer

MEDICATION RECONCILIATION — CATCHING INTERACTIONS: Warfarin (anticoagulant) + aspirin (antiplatelet) = significantly increased bleeding risk; this combination requires provider awareness and may be intentional (some cardiac conditions) or an oversight from separate prescribers. PRIORITY: Recognize the interaction; notify the provider to confirm intent before administering; do not simply give both without clarification; MEDICATION RECONCILIATION: Comparing the client's current medications across transitions of care (admission, transfer, discharge) to identify and resolve discrepancies — duplications, omissions, interactions, dosing errors; a National Patient Safety Goal; HIGH-RISK INTERACTIONS to know: anticoagulant + antiplatelet (bleeding); ACE inhibitor + potassium (hyperkalemia); multiple QT-prolonging drugs (dysrhythmia); MAOIs + many drugs/foods; INVOLVE: pharmacist for complex reconciliation; SAFETY CULTURE: Catching these is exactly why reconciliation exists; LPN role: participate in reconciliation, recognize potential interactions, notify the provider, advocate for client safety.
Source: NCLEX-PN Safe Care — Medication Reconciliation and Interactions