Start practicing

Medical Emergencies · single question

A patient taking warfarin needs a tooth extraction. What is the most appropriate management approach?

  1. Coordinate with the patient's physician to confirm a recent, therapeutic INR
  2. Stop warfarin 2 days prior to the procedure as a routine step
  3. Provide antibiotic premedication specifically because of the warfarin
  4. Make no inquiry into anticoagulation status at all
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Coordinate with the patient's physician to confirm a recent, therapeutic INR

Current evidence-based guidance generally discourages routinely stopping warfarin for dental extractions, since the thrombotic risk of interruption typically outweighs the bleeding risk, which can usually be managed with local hemostatic measures when the INR is within therapeutic range. Coordinating with the patient's physician to confirm a recent, appropriate INR (rather than to request discontinuation) is the recommended approach.

Practice Medical Emergencies questions Medical Emergencies study notes

More Medical Emergencies practice questions