What type of monitoring is essential for patients on anticoagulants like warfarin?

Monitoring the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is essential for patients on anticoagulants such as warfarin because it helps assess the effectiveness and safety of the medication. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which prolongs the time it takes for blood to clot. The INR is a standardized measurement that indicates how well the blood coagulation system is functioning in the presence of anticoagulation therapy. Maintaining the INR within a therapeutic range is crucial to balance the risk of thromboembolic events against the potential for bleeding complications. An INR that is too low may expose the patient to the risk of clotting, while an INR that is too high increases the risk of bleeding, making regular monitoring vital for patient safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Other types of monitoring, such as blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checking, do not provide the necessary information regarding the anticoagulation status of a patient on warfarin. Thus, they are not the primary focus in managing patients receiving this specific therapy.