A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed anticoagulant therapy. What is the nurse's priority action in monitoring the client's response to the medication?

A) This choice is incorrect because the D-dimer blood test is a screening test for DVT but does not directly assess blood flow or detect clots non-invasively.

B) This choice is incorrect because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive imaging modality, but it may not be readily available or suitable for all clients. It is not the primary choice for non-invasive assessment of blood flow and clots in suspected DVT.

C) This choice is incorrect because contrast venography is an invasive procedure involving the injection of contrast dye and X-ray imaging. It is not non-invasive, and venous Doppler ultrasound is a preferred first-line test.

D) This choice is correct. Venous Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test used to assess blood flow in the veins and detect clots in the deep veins of the legs. It is readily available, safe, and does not involve the use of contrast dye or radiation.

A) This choice is incorrect because while monitoring blood pressure is essential, it is not the priority action for clients on anticoagulant therapy. The primary concern is assessing the client's response to the medication and their risk of bleeding.

B) This choice is correct. Monitoring the client's prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. The PT and INR measure how long it takes the blood to clot and help determine the appropriate dosage of anticoagulants to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

C) This choice is incorrect because checking the client's blood glucose levels is not directly related to monitoring the response to anticoagulant therapy. Blood glucose monitoring is essential for clients with diabetes but not a priority in this context.

D) This choice is incorrect because evaluating the client's respiratory rate and pattern is not the priority action for monitoring the response to anticoagulant therapy. Respiratory assessment is vital in detecting potential complications like a pulmonary embolism but does not directly assess the client's anticoagulation status.

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