Which of the following is a potential side effect of warfarin therapy?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which are essential for normal blood coagulation. As a result, one of the most significant potential side effects of warfarin therapy is an increased risk of bleeding. This occurs because warfarin decreases the blood's ability to form clots, which can lead to complications such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and more severe conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage. It is crucial for patients on warfarin to have their INR (International Normalized Ratio) monitored regularly to ensure that their level of anticoagulation is within a therapeutic range, thereby managing the risk of bleeding effectively.

The other options do not appropriately reflect the typical effects or side effects of warfarin. For instance, increased clotting is counter to the purpose of warfarin therapy, as the drug aims to reduce clot formation. Dehydration and hypotension are not direct side effects of warfarin use and are not common considerations in the monitoring and management of patients receiving this medication.