Which scenario describes a recent thromboembolism that should not interrupt anticoagulant therapy?

• A. A patient who has had a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in the last three months
• B. A patient with seasonal allergies
• C. A patient who had a cold yesterday
• D. A patient with uncontrolled hypertension

Answer: (A)

After a thromboembolic event, continuing anticoagulation is often essential to prevent another clot, especially in the first few months when the risk of recurrence is highest. If someone has had a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in the last three months, stopping anticoagulant therapy would raise the chance of another PE or DVT, which is why this scenario is the one that should not interrupt treatment.

The other situations do not describe a recent thromboembolism. Seasonal allergies or a cold are unrelated to clot formation, and while uncontrolled hypertension is a health issue that can affect bleeding risk, it does not itself indicate a recent thromboembolic event that would mandate continuing therapy based on the timing of a prior clot. In short, a recent PE or DVT within three months is the scenario that clearly supports maintaining anticoagulation.