Final answer:
Patients on warfarin typically need to stop the medication before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding, though it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for individual guidance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In regards to whether a patient should continue taking warfarin or stop taking warfarin on the day of surgery, it is critical to consult with healthcare professionals. Typically, warfarin therapy is paused before surgery due to its blood-thinning effects, which can lead to excessive bleeding. The decision to stop warfarin is made based on the individual patient's risks of bleeding and thrombosis, and sometimes warfarin is replaced with a shorter-acting anticoagulant under medical supervision. Each case is unique, so direct communication with a healthcare provider is necessary. Like aspirin, which should not be taken for 10-14 days before surgery, warfarin can affect bleeding time, although the specific protocols between aspirin and warfarin may differ.