You are attending your annual family reunion and begin talking to your favourite uncle Lewis about his recent hospitalization. Lewis Kinard, a 55-year-old man, was recently discharged from the...

You are attending your annual family reunion and begin talking to your favourite uncle Lewis about his recent hospitalization. Lewis Kinard, a 55-year-old man, was recently discharged from the hospital following an episode of atrial fibrillation. He returned home with instructions to take warfarin (Coumadin) 10 mg daily. He has many questions for you, his favourite relative.

1. Why would someone with atrial fibrillation be prescribed Coumadin?

2. What special precautions should Lewis take while on this drug?

3. Are there any foods that he should avoid or limit in his diet?

 4. What laboratory testing will be done to determine this drug’s effectiveness?