You have been treating a patient for DVT and PE with heparin and plan to switch to warfarin (Coumadin).How will you monitor effective dosing of the warfarin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Warfarin therapy is monitored by measuring the INR, which is obtained by comparing the patient's prothrombin time (PT) to a standard value. The baseline INR should be obtained before starting warfarin therapy, and then the INR should be measured daily until it has stabilized in the therapeutic range. The PTT is not used to monitor warfarin therapy, as it is more sensitive to heparin therapy. Weekly monitoring is not frequent enough to adjust dosages appropriately.

You Have Been Treating a Patient for DVT and PE