A nurse is taking care of a client with diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) receiving anticoagulant therapy. Exhibits Complete the following sentence by using the following options. Based on the patient's current medications, the nurse knows to monitor dropdown for heparin and dropdown for warfarin sodium.

aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) is the primary lab test used to monitor the effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy. Heparin works by activating antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, thus prolonging the aPTT. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that the heparin dose is therapeutic and reduces the risk of bleeding. PT-INR (Prothrombin Time - International Normalized Ratio) is used to monitor patients on warfarin therapy. Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which affects the prothrombin time (PT). The INR standardizes PT results, allowing for consistent monitoring of anticoagulation status. It is critical to maintain the INR within the therapeutic range to balance the risk of thrombosis against the risk of bleeding.