The patient is receiving enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously every 12 hours following knee replacement surgery. The patient is monitored for.
Clotting at the incision site.
Increased pain.
Gingival hyperplasia.
Signs and symptoms of bruising and bleeding.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Clotting at the incision site. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are common complications following orthopedic surgeries like knee replacement. Monitoring for clotting at the incision site is essential to ensure that the medication is effectively preventing excessive clot formation while also ensuring that the patient does not experience excessive bleeding.
B. Increased pain. While increased pain could be a concern postoperatively, particularly after a surgical procedure like knee replacement, it is not a specific monitoring parameter for enoxaparin administration. Pain management is typically addressed separately, and increased pain may indicate issues such as inadequate analgesia, surgical complications, or other factors unrelated to enoxaparin therapy.
C. Gingival hyperplasia. Gingival hyperplasia refers to an overgrowth of gum tissue and is not directly associated with enoxaparin therapy. This side effect is more commonly associated with certain medications such as phenytoin and cyclosporine rather than anticoagulants like enoxaparin. Monitoring for gingival hyperplasia would not be relevant in this context.
D. Signs and symptoms of bruising and bleeding. This is the correct answer. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant medication, which increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, monitoring for signs and symptoms of bruising and bleeding is crucial to detect any potential complications such as hemorrhage or hematoma formation. This includes assessing for unusual bruising, bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, hematuria, melena, or any other signs of internal or external bleeding. Prompt recognition and management of bleeding complications are essential to ensure patient safety during enoxaparin therapy, especially following orthopedic surgery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Essential
1. "Avoid taking other medications that can cause bleeding, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen." Both aspirin and clopidogrel increase the risk of bleeding. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can further increase this risk, so it is crucial to avoid them unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
2. "Continue to take your newly prescribed medications until your prescriber tells you not to do so." Discontinuing aspirin and clopidogrel without medical advice can increase the risk of stent thrombosis and other complications. It is essential to follow the prescribed regimen strictly.
3. “Report any unexpected bleeding to your primary health provider." Monitoring for signs of bleeding (such as bruising, blood in the stool or urine, or unusual bleeding) is important due to the increased bleeding risk associated with these medications. Prompt reporting can help manage and mitigate serious complications.
Unrelated
1. "Drink a glass of water after each dose of your new drug." While staying hydrated is generally good advice, it is not specifically relevant to the efficacy or safety of aspirin and clopidogrel.
2. "Follow up with the prescribed laboratory testing needed to monitor your clotting values." Routine clotting tests (such as INR, PT, or aPTT) are not typically required for monitoring the effects of aspirin and clopidogrel, as these medications do not usually require lab monitoring like warfarin does.
3. "Eat foods high in Vitamin K and calcium to help prevent clotting." This advice is unrelated because Vitamin K can counteract the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin but does not affect the action of antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and clopidogrel. Calcium intake is also unrelated to the management of these medications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Easy bruising indicates the medication is effective: While some bruising is possible, excessive bruising doesn't necessarily mean the medication is working effectively. It could indicate excessive anticoagulation, requiring dose adjustments.
B. Inject the medication deep into the thigh muscle: Heparin is injected subcutaneously, targeting the fatty tissue layer just beneath the skin. Injecting into the muscle can be painful and decrease absorption.
C. Expect stools to become black and tarry: Black stools can be a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a potential but uncommon side effect. The nurse should instruct the client to report any black stools but not expect them as a normal occurrence.
D. Use a soft bristle toothbrush: This is important because heparin increases bleeding risk, and a soft-bristled toothbrush minimizes gum irritation and potential bleeding.
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