What would likely occur to a patient if warfarin therapy is maintained without a proper INR level?

Maintaining warfarin therapy without monitoring the International Normalized Ratio (INR) can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K and affecting the synthesis of clotting factors, which is critical in managing blood clotting. If the INR is not regularly checked and remains outside of the therapeutic range, it can lead to either an increased risk of hemorrhage or insufficient anticoagulation.

If the INR is too high, it indicates that the blood is too thin, meaning the anticoagulant effect is excessive. This condition heightens the possibility of spontaneous bleeding, which can occur in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract or intracranially, and can be life-threatening.

In contrast, while decreased blood pressure, increased risk of thrombosis, and dehydration are medical concerns, they do not directly relate to the consequences of improper INR management in the context of warfarin therapy. Thus, the likelihood of increased bleeding risk is the most significant and immediate concern that arises from faltering INR monitoring in patients on warfarin.