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?
1. Slight bleeding from the nose is expected.
2. Contact the physician's office for follow-up laboratory studies.
3. Pain in the limb is a sign of healing.
4. Take two doses of the prescribed anticoagulant if a dose is missed one day.
Correct Answer: 2
When preparing the patient and family for home or community-based care related to an acute arterial occlusion, the patient should be instructed to follow-up with laboratory testing and appointments. Nasal bleeding is not expected. Pain in the limb could indicate another clot has formed. Anticoagulant medications should never be "doubled" even in the case of a missed dose. The patient would be encouraged to notify the physician if a dose is missed.
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