The client is receiving anticoagulant therapy. The international normalized ratio (INR) value for the client is 1.5. Which prescription will the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider will place in response to the client's INR?

A. Reduce the dose of warfarin: Reducing the dose is appropriate if the INR is too high and the client is at risk for bleeding. However, an INR of 1.5 is subtherapeutic for most indications, such as atrial fibrillation or DVT prevention, where the target INR is 2.0–3.0. B. Continue with the dose of warfarin: Maintaining the current dose would not correct the subtherapeutic INR. Without adjusting the dosage, the client remains at increased risk of thromboembolic events due to insufficient anticoagulation. C. Hold the next dose of warfarin: Holding the dose is done when the INR is elevated and bleeding risk is present. In this case, the INR is too low, and holding the dose would further reduce anticoagulant effect and increase clotting risk. D. Increase the next dose of warfarin: An INR of 1.5 is below the therapeutic range. Increasing the warfarin dose is appropriate to bring the INR into the target range 2.0–3.0 and ensure effective anticoagulation to prevent clot formation.