A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

This is because alteplase [Activase] is a thrombolytic drug that dissolves blood clots and can cause bleeding complications, especially intracranial hemorrhage.Neurologic assessment is essential to detect any signs of bleeding in the brain, such as altered level of consciousness, headache, or focal deficits.

Choice A is wrong because applying pressure to needleless access sites after giving medications is a standard precaution to prevent bleeding and infection.It is not specific to alteplase [Activase] therapy.

Choice C is wrong because administering heparin when partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is less than 70 seconds is not recommended for patients who have received alteplase [Activase].

Heparin is an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding and should be used with caution in patients who have received thrombolytic therapy.The PTT should be monitored closely and heparin should be withheld if the PTT is above the therapeutic range.

Choice D is wrong because giving aspirin when platelet count is greater than 150,000/mm3 is not indicated for patients who have received alteplase [Activase].

Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that can also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in patients who have received thrombolytic therapy.

The platelet count should be monitored closely and aspirin should be withheld if the platelet count is below the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm3).

This is because swelling in one leg could indicate a new or worsening deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that can lead to pulmonary embolism or other complications. The client should report this finding to the provider immediately and seek medical attention.

Choice A) Bruising at injection site is wrong because bruising is a common and expected side effect of enoxaparin therapy, especially if the client is using the same injection site repeatedly.

The client should be instructed to rotate the injection sites and apply gentle pressure after each injection to minimize bruising.

Choice B) Redness at injection site is wrong because redness is also a common and expected side effect of enoxaparin therapy, as it indicates a local inflammatory response to the medication.

The client should be advised to avoid rubbing or scratching the injection site and to apply a cold compress if needed.

Choice D) Mild pain at injection site is wrong because mild pain is also a common and expected side effect of enoxaparin therapy, as it reflects the needle insertion and the medication delivery.

The client should be reassured that the pain will subside shortly and to use a different injection site for the next dose.

Normal ranges for enoxaparin therapy are based on the client’s weight, indication, and renal function.

The usual dose for DVT prophylaxis is 40 mg subcutaneously once daily, and the usual dose for DVT treatment is 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours.

The client should have regular blood tests to monitor the anti-factor Xa level, which should be between 0.5 and 1.0 IU/mL for DVT prophylaxis and between 0.6 and 1.0 IU/mL for DVT treatment.

The client should also have regular platelet counts to check for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is a rare but serious complication of enoxaparin therapy that causes a drop in platelets and an increased risk of thrombosis.

The normal platelet count range is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3.