What should a nurse monitor closely for a patient receiving anticoagulation therapy?

Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as bruising or tarry stools, is critical for patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. This is because anticoagulants work by inhibiting the clotting process, which increases the risk of bleeding complications. Patients on these medications may experience spontaneous bleeding or more significant hemorrhages, and early detection of these signs can be crucial for timely intervention and management.

For instance, bruising often appears as a result of minor trauma that would typically not cause such injury in individuals with normal hemostatic function, while tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires prompt medical attention. Education around monitoring for these signs is also essential for patients, helping them to understand potential risks associated with their medication.

Although monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature are important aspects of general patient assessment, they are not as directly linked to the distinct risks posed by anticoagulant therapy. Heart rate may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues, blood pressure might suggest hemodynamic stability, and temperature changes could signal infection, but these assessments do not specifically target the hemorrhagic risks posed by anticoagulants.