What should the nurse monitor in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy?

Monitoring for signs of bleeding and laboratory values such as INR (International Normalized Ratio) or aPTT (activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) is crucial for patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulants are medications that help prevent blood clot formation, which is essential in conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. However, the same properties that prevent clotting can lead to increased risks of bleeding, which can be serious or even life-threatening.

By regularly checking for signs of bleeding—such as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts—the nurse can quickly identify any adverse effects of the therapy. Additionally, monitoring laboratory values like the INR or aPTT provides quantitative data on how well the anticoagulant is functioning. These tests help guide dosage adjustments to ensure the patient is neither under-treated nor over-treated, both of which can have significant consequences.

In summary, effective monitoring of bleeding signs and laboratory values is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy, making this the appropriate focus for patient assessment in this context.