Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which condition does the HAS-BLED score specifically evaluate?

1. Stroke risk in atrial fibrillation

2. Bleeding risk for anticoagulation

3. Heart failure severity

4. Hypertension management

The correct answer is: Bleeding risk for anticoagulation

The HAS-BLED score is specifically designed to assess the risk of major bleeding in patients who are on anticoagulation therapy, particularly for those with atrial fibrillation. The acronym stands for specific risk factors: Hypertension, Abnormal renal and liver function, Stroke history, Bleeding history, Labile INRs, Elderly status, and Drugs/alcohol. By evaluating these factors, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about the safety of initiating or continuing anticoagulant therapy. This is critical, given that while anticoagulants are effective in reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, they also increase the potential for serious bleeding complications. Therefore, the correct response emphasizes the importance of understanding and mitigating bleeding risks when managing patients on anticoagulants. Other options, such as stroke risk assessment or heart failure severity, do not reflect the primary intention of the HAS-BLED score, which is focused solely on bleeding risk.