What information is crucial for a nurse administering anticoagulants?

What information is crucial for a nurse administering anticoagulants?

• A. Monitor blood pressure exclusively
• B. Monitor bleeding risks and INR levels
• C. Only the patient's medication history
• D. Check for drug interactions only after administration

Answer: (B)

Monitoring bleeding risks and INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels is crucial for a nurse administering anticoagulants because these medications significantly increase the risk of bleeding due to their action on blood clotting processes. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting various coagulation factors, which can prolong bleeding time and pose risks to patient safety if not managed properly. The INR is a laboratory test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot and helps determine the appropriate dosage of anticoagulants, particularly warfarin. Regular monitoring of INR ensures that the patient remains within the therapeutic range, significantly reducing the likelihood of adverse events such as excessive bleeding or thrombosis. Attention to bleeding risks is also vital, as patients on anticoagulants may experience complications such as hemorrhages, which can be life-threatening. Early identification of any signs of bleeding, along with appropriate management, is essential in the care of these patients. This comprehensive approach is fundamental in promoting patient safety and effective medication management. The other options do not provide an adequate scope for the necessary assessments involved in the nursing care of patients on anticoagulants. Monitoring only blood pressure or medication history would not encompass the full range of risks associated with anticoagulant therapy. Additionally, checking for drug interactions

Monitoring bleeding risks and INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels is crucial for a nurse administering anticoagulants because these medications significantly increase the risk of bleeding due to their action on blood clotting processes. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting various coagulation factors, which can prolong bleeding time and pose risks to patient safety if not managed properly.

The INR is a laboratory test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot and helps determine the appropriate dosage of anticoagulants, particularly warfarin. Regular monitoring of INR ensures that the patient remains within the therapeutic range, significantly reducing the likelihood of adverse events such as excessive bleeding or thrombosis.

Attention to bleeding risks is also vital, as patients on anticoagulants may experience complications such as hemorrhages, which can be life-threatening. Early identification of any signs of bleeding, along with appropriate management, is essential in the care of these patients. This comprehensive approach is fundamental in promoting patient safety and effective medication management.

The other options do not provide an adequate scope for the necessary assessments involved in the nursing care of patients on anticoagulants. Monitoring only blood pressure or medication history would not encompass the full range of risks associated with anticoagulant therapy. Additionally, checking for drug interactions