What should the nurse monitor for in a client taking anticoagulants?

Monitoring for signs of bleeding is crucial for a client taking anticoagulants because these medications are designed to prevent clot formation, which inherently increases the risk of bleeding. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting various mechanisms involved in the coagulation cascade, making it easier for the blood vessels to leak and for the body to experience uncontrolled bleeding, even from minor injuries.

Signs of bleeding can include unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or an increase in nosebleeds. Recognizing these signs early enables timely intervention, which can be lifesaving. The monitoring encompasses direct assessments throughout the body, as well as laboratory values such as INR (International Normalized Ratio) or aPTT (activated Partial Thromboplastin Time), depending on the anticoagulant prescribed.

While monitoring blood glucose might be relevant for clients with diabetes, it does not directly relate to anticoagulant therapy. Monitoring heart rate or fluid balance may be necessary in specific contexts but are not primary concerns associated with anticoagulant therapy. Thus, a focus on bleeding is essential in this setting.