What should a nurse monitor for when administering anticoagulants?

When administering anticoagulants, it is crucial for a nurse to monitor for signs of bleeding and relevant lab values. Anticoagulants are medications that help prevent blood clots by inhibiting the clotting process. As a result, these medications can significantly increase the risk of bleeding, making it essential to observe for any symptoms such as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stools, and prolonged bleeding from cuts.

Additionally, monitoring lab values is critical for ensuring the anticoagulant is working effectively and within a safe range. Common lab values to track include prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), depending on the specific anticoagulant being used. These values help assess the effectiveness of the medication and guide appropriate dosage adjustments, ensuring patient safety.

The other options do not encompass the comprehensive monitoring needed for safe anticoagulant administration. While comfort and adherence are important aspects of patient care, they do not directly address the most critical concerns associated with anticoagulant therapy, which are the risks of bleeding and ensuring therapeutic effectiveness through appropriate lab monitoring.