A patient is being discharged on long-term oral anticoagulant therapy for arterial thrombus formation in the lower extremity. What should be included in this patient's discharge instructions?

Question

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The patient should be instructed to contact the physician's office for follow-up laboratory studies in order to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the anticoagulant therapy. Bleeding from the nose is not expected and should be reported to the physician. Pain in the limb can be a sign of complications and should also be reported to the physician. Taking two doses if a dose is missed is not recommended and could increase the risk of bleeding.

A Patient Is Being Discharged on Long-Term Oral Anticoagulant Therapy