Problem: The nurse is caring for AB, a patient who was admitted to the hospital with severe migraines. AB has been taking warfarin, a highly protein-bound anticoagulant, for atrial fibrillation. After a thorough evaluation, the neurologist has ordered valproic acid, an antiseizure medication. Valproic acid is also highly protein bound.
(While talking about both medications)
1. Explain what protein binding is.
2. What nursing implications must you consider when caring for this client regarding medications and protein binding?
3. What information needs to be included in the interdisciplinary teaching plan for this patient if both medications are taken together?