What is a critical teaching point regarding anticoagulant medications?

The critical teaching point regarding anticoagulant medications emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular blood testing as ordered and being aware of bleeding risks. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin or newer direct oral anticoagulants, require ongoing monitoring to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and safety. Regular blood tests, including INR (International Normalized Ratio) for patients on warfarin, help healthcare providers determine if the blood's clotting ability is within a therapeutic range, which reduces the risk of both clot formation and excessive bleeding.

Additionally, patients must be educated about the potential risks of bleeding associated with anticoagulant therapy, including signs and symptoms to watch for, such as unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or blood in urine or stool. Understanding these risks promotes patient safety and encourages adherence to prescribed therapy.

In contrast, the other options either misrepresent the ongoing need for medication adherence or suggest behaviors that could increase risk rather than safeguard the patient's health.