In caring for a client receiving warfarin, what other substance should be monitored apart from INR?

Monitoring the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level in a client receiving warfarin is crucial because warfarin can affect kidney function, and an increase in BUN may indicate compromised renal function or dehydration. Since warfarin is primarily metabolized by the liver and can have implications on the patient's overall hemostatic balance, assessing BUN can provide insight into the patient's hydration status and kidney function, which are important for safe anticoagulation management.

Maintaining appropriate hydration and identifying any potential renal impairment is essential, as these factors can influence the metabolism and clearance of warfarin, potentially leading to an increased risk of bleeding or thrombosis. Therefore, regular monitoring of BUN alongside the International Normalized Ratio (INR) aids in ensuring that anticoagulation therapy remains safe and effective for the patient.