Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Exam. Enhance your skills with our engaging quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

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What effect does excessive alcohol use while on warfarin (Coumadin) therapy have?

Increased vitamin K absorption.
Decreased international normalized ratio.
Increased anticoagulation effect.
Decreased anticoagulation effect.

The correct answer is: Increased anticoagulation effect.

Excessive alcohol use while on warfarin therapy can lead to an increased anticoagulation effect. Alcohol has the potential to interfere with the metabolism of warfarin, primarily by inhibiting certain liver enzymes (specifically CYP2C9), which play a significant role in the breakdown of warfarin. When warfarin metabolism is decreased, the levels of warfarin in the blood can rise, resulting in a heightened anticoagulant effect. This can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications associated with warfarin therapy. It's essential for patients on warfarin to manage alcohol consumption carefully, as fluctuations in alcohol intake can lead to unpredictable changes in anticoagulation levels.