What is the standard therapeutic range for INR in patients on warfarin?

The standard therapeutic range for the International Normalized Ratio (INR) in patients on warfarin is 2.0-3.0. This range is typically applied for most indications such as atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism, where the goal is to prevent clot formation while reducing the risk of bleeding complications. Staying within this range helps ensure that the anticoagulant effect is sufficient to prevent thromboembolic events without significantly increasing the risk of hemorrhage.

Different indications may require adjustments to this range; for example, patients with certain mechanical heart valves or those with specific conditions may need a slightly higher INR target. However, the general therapeutic window remains 2.0-3.0 for the vast majority of patients on warfarin therapy, making it essential for nursing practice to monitor INR levels closely and maintain them within this range to optimize patient safety and treatment effectiveness.