Which of the following should be monitored for a patient receiving anticoagulation therapy?

Which of the following should be monitored for a patient receiving anticoagulation therapy?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. Urine output

Answer: (C)

Monitoring prothrombin time (PT) is crucial for patients receiving anticoagulation therapy because PT is a key indicator of how well the blood is clotting. Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clots, which can help reduce the risk of complications such as stroke or heart attack. However, it is equally important to ensure that the blood does not become too thin, as this can lead to excessive bleeding. Prothrombin time specifically measures the time it takes for blood to clot and provides insights into the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. Adjusting the dosage of anticoagulants may be necessary based on PT results to maintain an optimal balance between preventing clot formation and avoiding bleeding risks. While monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output can be important for overall patient assessment and management, they do not provide the specific information needed to evaluate the adequacy of anticoagulation therapy. Thus, PT is the primary laboratory value that needs to be closely monitored to ensure patient safety in the context of anticoagulation treatment.

Monitoring prothrombin time (PT) is crucial for patients receiving anticoagulation therapy because PT is a key indicator of how well the blood is clotting. Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clots, which can help reduce the risk of complications such as stroke or heart attack. However, it is equally important to ensure that the blood does not become too thin, as this can lead to excessive bleeding.

Prothrombin time specifically measures the time it takes for blood to clot and provides insights into the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. Adjusting the dosage of anticoagulants may be necessary based on PT results to maintain an optimal balance between preventing clot formation and avoiding bleeding risks.

While monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output can be important for overall patient assessment and management, they do not provide the specific information needed to evaluate the adequacy of anticoagulation therapy. Thus, PT is the primary laboratory value that needs to be closely monitored to ensure patient safety in the context of anticoagulation treatment.