Final answer:
To prevent a common complication of chronic atrial fibrillation, which is clot formation, Warfarin (Coumadin) is typically administered. This medication thins the blood and requires careful monitoring due to bleeding risks. Pharmacogenomics can be used to personalize Warfarin doses and reduce overdose risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for a client with chronic atrial fibrillation, a heart condition where the atria beat irregularly. This condition increases the risk of forming blood clots that can lead to strokes. The nurse would expect to administer Warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood. This medication is critical in managing atrial fibrillation and reducing the risk of potential clot-related complications like stroke. It is important that Warfarin levels are carefully monitored due to the risk of bleeding, and dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's liver function and INR (International Normalized Ratio) results, a test used to monitor the effectiveness of blood thinners.
Understanding an individual's genetic profile through pharmacogenomics can aid in tailoring Warfarin dosages to ensure effectiveness and reduce the risk of overdose. Pharmacogenomics examines how genes affect a person's response to drugs, which can be particularly useful for drugs like Warfarin that have a narrow therapeutic index and vary widely in dose requirements among different individuals.