Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) Practice Exam

Which condition could cause a lower than normal initial dose of Warfarin?

1. Hypertension

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis

3. Asthma

4. High cholesterol

The correct answer is: Deep Vein Thrombosis

A lower than normal initial dose of Warfarin could be caused by various factors, such as previous bleeding complications, older age, liver or kidney disease, and interactions with other medications - all of which can make an individual more sensitive to the drug. Hypertension, asthma, and high cholesterol do not typically affect the initial dose of Warfarin. Deep vein thrombosis, on the other hand, can increase the risk of bleeding and therefore may require a lower initial dose of Warfarin to avoid potential complications. This is because Warfarin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis is a condition characterized by blood clots forming in the veins, most commonly in the legs. Therefore, choosing B as the correct answer is the best option as it directly relates to a potential factor in determining the initial dose of Warfarin.