In which situation might anticoagulants be prescribed?

Anticoagulants are primarily prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots, which can lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke. These medications work by inhibiting various factors in the blood coagulation pathway, reducing the ability of the blood to clot.

In situations where patients are at increased risk of developing clots—such as after certain types of surgery, during prolonged immobility, or in patients with specific medical conditions like atrial fibrillation—anticoagulants play a crucial role in preventive care. This allows for improved blood flow and a reduced risk of complications associated with thrombosis.

The other options relate to different types of therapeutic interventions. Anticoagulants do not relieve inflammation, treat infections, or enhance metabolism, which are the functions associated with different classes of medications.