Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is a common side effect of anticoagulants?

1. Skin rash

2. Excessive bruising or bleeding

3. Hair loss

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Excessive bruising or bleeding

Anticoagulants are medications that work by preventing blood clots from forming or growing larger. Because they affect the blood's ability to clot, a common side effect of anticoagulants is excessive bruising or bleeding. This occurs as the normal clotting process is inhibited, making the body more prone to bleeding, even from minor injuries. Patients taking anticoagulants often need to be monitored closely for signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. This safety concern is particularly important for healthcare providers to address when dispensing anticoagulants or advising patients on their use. Other side effects like skin rash, hair loss, and hypertension can occur due to various reasons or other medications, but they are not directly associated with the mechanism of action of anticoagulants in the same way that excessive bruising or bleeding is. Therefore, recognizing excessive bruising or bleeding as a common and significant side effect is crucial for both patient safety and effective management of anticoagulant therapy.