A client with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation has just been placed on warfarin therapy. The registered nurse (RN) overhears a student nurse teaching the client about potential food-drug interactions. Which statement made by the student nurse requires an intervention by the RN?

Options for the question are not given. They are as follows:

1. "Do you take any nutritional supplements?"

2. "You will need to monitor your intake of foods containing vitamin K."

3. "You will not be able to eat green, leafy vegetables while taking this medication."

4. "Your blood will be tested at regular intervals."

3. "You will not be able to eat green, leafy vegetables while taking this medication."

Explanation:

Atrial fibrillation or irregular beating of heart can result into blood clots which can be fatal. To avoid formation of these blood clots often Warfarin therapy is recommended. Warfarin is an anticoagulant which stops formation of blood clots by interfering with Vitamin K dependent clotting factors.

While on therapy, patient's diet should be monitored for Vitamin K level since its high level can interfere with the drug's efficacy. Green leafy vegetables are good source of vitamin K. However it is not required to stop the intake of vitamin K completely. In fact doing so can result in other health issues. Instead it is recommended to consume a normal consistent level of vitamin K. Hence the statement by student nurse prohibiting completely the consumption of green leafy vegetables is incorrect and requires an intervention by the RN.