Which signs would a nurse note for superficial thrombophlebitis in a postpartum client on anticoagulant therapy?

• A. Dysuria, ecchymosis, vertigo
• B. Epistaxis, hematuria, dysuria
• C. Hematuria, ecchymosis, epistaxis
• D. Hematuria, ecchymosis, vertigo

Answer: (C)

Monitoring for bleeding in postpartum clients on anticoagulants is essential. Anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding, so the nurse looks for signs such as urine blood (hematuria), unusual bruising (ecchymosis), and nosebleeds (epistaxis). These three manifestations indicate mucosal or organ bleeding that could signal a problem with anticoagulation therapy. While superficial thrombophlebitis classically presents with localized venous tenderness, redness, and warmth along a superficial vein, the scenario emphasizes the safety concern of anticoagulation. Dysuria and vertigo are less specific for bleeding in this context; dysuria could reflect a urinary tract issue, and vertigo has many causes unrelated to anticoagulant-related bleeding. Thus, the combination of hematuria, ecchymosis, and epistaxis best reflects possible anticoagulant-related bleeding in this patient.