What is the primary function of anticoagulants?

The primary function of anticoagulants is to prevent blood from clotting. These medications work by inhibiting various factors in the coagulation cascade, which is a series of biochemical reactions that lead to the formation of blood clots. By reducing the blood's ability to form clots, anticoagulants are essential in preventing conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke, particularly in patients who have certain risk factors for clot formation.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of anticoagulants. For instance, increasing urine output pertains to diuretics, which address fluid retention rather than clot prevention. Relieving inflammation typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, which address swelling and pain but do not affect clotting processes. Controlling pain levels is associated with analgesics, which are aimed at reducing discomfort rather than influencing the blood's clotting ability. Therefore, option C accurately reflects the key role of anticoagulants in patient care.