What should be monitored in patients who are prescribed warfarin?

Monitoring the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is crucial for patients prescribed warfarin because this anticoagulant works by inhibiting clotting factors in the liver that are dependent on vitamin K. The primary goal of warfarin therapy is to achieve an INR within a target therapeutic range, which varies depending on the condition being treated. Regular INR checks help ensure that the blood's coagulation level is maintained within this safe range to prevent both thrombosis and bleeding complications.

INR monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust the warfarin dosage based on the patient's response, which can be affected by various factors including diet, other medications, and individual metabolic differences. Thus, consistent INR monitoring is vital for effective and safe management of patients on warfarin therapy.

While the other tests mentioned have their own importance in clinical practice, such as assessing kidney function, liver function, and complete blood counts, they are not specifically tailored to measure the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Therefore, they are not the primary focus of monitoring in patients receiving this medication.