In what situation would the nurse most likely administer warfarin therapy?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant commonly used to prevent thromboembolic events, which include conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke in patients with certain heart conditions, like atrial fibrillation. The goal of warfarin therapy is to reduce the formation of blood clots, thus preventing serious complications that can arise from these conditions.

In managing patients who are at risk for thromboembolic events, it is essential to monitor their international normalized ratio (INR) to ensure that the blood's clotting ability remains within a therapeutic range. This careful management highlights the purpose of warfarin therapy in preventing the adverse outcomes associated with abnormal clot formation.

In contrast, warfarin is not effective for treating high blood pressure, managing chronic pain, or treating bacterial infections, which are typically addressed through other medical interventions.