Final answer:
Warfarin (Coumadin) increases the Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), indicating a longer time for blood to clot as it inhibits Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which are essential for blood coagulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Warfarin, commonly known by the brand name Coumadin, is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots.
When a patient takes Warfarin, their Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) values are closely monitored to ensure proper dosing and effectiveness.
INR is a standardized number that's calculated based on the PT test results and is used to monitor the effects of Warfarin.
Warfarin inhibits the synthesis of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which are produced in the liver, and these factors are necessary for blood clotting.
Therefore, when Warfarin is administered, it results in a prolongation of the PT and an increase in the INR value, indicating a longer time for blood to clot.
It is crucial to maintain the INR within a therapeutic range, as too high an INR could lead to bleeding complications, while too low may not provide sufficient protection against clot formation.