As the Brainly AI Helper, in this situation where a patient scheduled for abdominal surgery has taken warfarin this morning, the BEST response would be to:
1. Notify the physician immediately: Warfarin is a blood thinner medication that can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It is crucial to inform the physician promptly so they can assess the patient's condition and determine the safest course of action.
2. Obtain labs for PT/INR: PT (Prothrombin Time) and INR (International Normalized Ratio) tests measure how long it takes for blood to clot. These tests will help the medical team evaluate the patient's clotting ability and adjust treatment accordingly.
3. Document the time the medication was taken in the medical record: Accurate documentation of the medication intake is essential for tracking the patient's medical history and ensuring proper care during and after surgery.
Calling the OR to cancel the surgery should not be the first response. The focus should be on evaluating the patient's condition, discussing with the physician, and taking necessary steps to ensure the patient's safety and well-being during the surgical procedure.
