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What is a key factor to monitor in clients receiving anticoagulant therapy?

  1. Heart rate

  2. Bleeding time

  3. Blood glucose levels

  4. Respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Bleeding time

Monitoring bleeding time is essential for clients receiving anticoagulant therapy because anticoagulants are designed to prevent blood clotting. These medications increase the risk of bleeding, making it critical to assess how well the blood is clotting and to ensure that the client is not experiencing excessive or dangerous bleeding complications. By closely monitoring bleeding time, healthcare providers can gauge the effectiveness of the anticoagulant and make necessary adjustments to the dosage to maintain a balance between preventing thrombosis and avoiding bleeding risks. This proactive approach helps in the timely identification of potential problems and ensures patient safety. The other vital signs such as heart rate, blood glucose levels, and respiratory rate do not provide direct insight into the effects of anticoagulation therapy. While they are important indicators of overall health, they do not specifically reflect the coagulation status of the patient.