What does a high INR indicate about a patient's risk?

A high INR (International Normalized Ratio) signifies that a patient has an increased risk of bleeding. The INR is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot, and it is particularly used to monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin. When the INR is elevated, it indicates that the blood's clotting ability is reduced, making it more difficult for the blood to clot effectively. Therefore, patients with a high INR are at greater risk for bleeding complications, as their blood does not clot as quickly as it should.

This understanding is crucial as nurses and healthcare providers must closely monitor INR levels in patients who are anticoagulated to prevent potential bleeding events, which can be serious and life-threatening. Regular blood tests and adjustments to medication dosages may be necessary to maintain the INR within a target range that balances the risk of clotting and bleeding.