What should be monitored in patients taking Coumadin?

Monitoring patients taking Coumadin, also known as warfarin, is crucial for ensuring their safety and the effectiveness of therapy. The correct answer is to monitor the PT-INR (Prothrombin Time - International Normalized Ratio).

The PT-INR is used to assess how long it takes for blood to clot. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which affects the coagulation pathway. Therefore, it is important to regularly check PT-INR levels to ensure they remain within a therapeutic range, which helps prevent both thrombosis and bleeding complications.

The INR standardizes PT measurements across different laboratories, allowing for consistent monitoring of anticoagulation therapy. This is particularly important since different laboratories may use various testing methods that could result in variable PT results. The goal is to maintain INR within the prescribed range depending on the indication for anticoagulation therapy, such as atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis.

While monitoring platelet count (PLT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and PT can be part of the broader management of a patient, PT-INR is the specific test that directly correlates with the management of patients on Coumadin therapy,