In atrial fibrillation management, how do DOACs compare to warfarin in monitoring and diet?

• A. DOACs require less INR monitoring and have fewer dietary restrictions; warfarin requires regular INR checks and dietary vitamin K management.
• B. DOACs require daily INR checks; warfarin does not require monitoring.
• C. DOACs require blood glucose monitoring; warfarin requires frequent liver panel.
• D. DOACs have more dietary restrictions than warfarin.

Answer: (A)

Direct oral anticoagulants simplify management because they don't require routine laboratory monitoring of anticoagulant effect and have fewer dietary interactions than warfarin. They are given in fixed doses with no need for regular INR checks. Warfarin, on the other hand, requires ongoing INR monitoring to stay within the therapeutic range and careful, consistent intake of vitamin K–containing foods to avoid fluctuations in effect. So the statement that DOACs require less INR monitoring and have fewer dietary restrictions, while warfarin requires regular INR checks and dietary vitamin K management, accurately reflects their differences. Other options aren’t correct because DOACs do not need daily INR monitoring or glucose monitoring, and they do not carry more dietary restrictions than warfarin.