In a client receiving anticoagulation therapy, which sign should the nurse monitor for?

In clients receiving anticoagulation therapy, bleeding is a key sign that nurses must monitor for because anticoagulants are designed to prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the clotting cascade. This therapeutic effect also increases the risk of excessive bleeding due to the reduced ability of the blood to coagulate.

Nurses should be vigilant for signs of bleeding, which can manifest in various forms such as bruising, hematuria (blood in urine), gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., dark stools), or spontaneous nosebleeds. Close monitoring is crucial to ensure patient safety and to intervene promptly if any bleeding complications arise. Recognizing these signs early helps manage the risks associated with anticoagulant therapy effectively and can prevent serious health complications.

Other options like hypertension, clotting, and dehydration, while important to monitor in various clinical contexts, are not the primary concern in patients on anticoagulants. High blood pressure does not directly relate to the effects of anticoagulants, and while a patient may still develop clots while on anticoagulation therapy, the central focus is on the potential for bleeding. Dehydration may affect many aspects of a patient's health but is not a direct consequence or immediate concern of anticoagulation therapy in the same