What should a nurse monitor for in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy?

Monitoring for signs of increased bleeding is crucial for patients receiving anticoagulant therapy because these medications work by inhibiting blood clotting mechanisms, which increases the risk of significant bleeding complications. This risk can be especially pronounced in patients who have other comorbidities or are taking additional medications that may also affect coagulation.

Signs of increased bleeding can manifest as unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool, or frequent nosebleeds. Recognizing these signs early allows for prompt intervention, potentially preventing severe complications such as hemorrhagic events, which can be life-threatening.

While monitoring for signs of infection, dehydration, and allergic reactions is also important in general patient care, these are not the primary concerns directly related to the effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, the focus on bleeding is particularly relevant in this context.