American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam

Monitoring for signs of bleeding is essential for patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy because these medications significantly increase the risk of hemorrhage due to their action in inhibiting blood clot formation. Patients on anticoagulants need vigilant assessment for any indications of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, melena, or any unusual swelling or pain. Early detection of bleeding can prevent more serious complications and allow for timely intervention.

While encouraging patient mobility is important for overall wellness and prevention of complications like deep vein thrombosis, it is not as critical as monitoring for bleeding in the context of anticoagulant therapy. Strict dietary restrictions are necessary for some anticoagulants, particularly warfarin, due to interactions with vitamin K, but not all anticoagulants require this level of dietary management. Evaluating electrolyte levels weekly is not a standard requirement for patients on anticoagulants, as this is more relevant for other therapeutic areas, such as patients on diuretics or certain chronic conditions. Thus, the most critical nursing consideration remains vigilant monitoring for signs of bleeding.