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 D
Explanation
A. Trombin (Evithrom): Incorrect: Thrombin (also known as factor IIa) is not typically used as a hemostatic drug. It is involved in the final step of the coagulation cascade, converting fibrinogen to fibrin to form a stable clot. However, it is not administered directly as a medication.
B. Aminocaproic acid (Amicar): Aminocaproic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent commonly used to control bleeding. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin clots, thus promoting hemostasis. It is particularly useful in situations where excessive bleeding occurs due to impaired clot dissolution. However, tranexamic acid is generally considered more potent and has a longer-lasting effect, making it the preferred choice in many situations.
C. Aspirin: Incorrect: Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation. While it can reduce the risk of clot formation, it is not primarily used for controlling postoperative bleeding.
D. Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron): Correct: Tranexamic acid is another antifibrinolytic agent that helps prevent excessive bleeding. It works by blocking the breakdown of fibrin clots. Tranexamic acid is commonly used in surgical settings to manage bleeding during and after procedures.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client sprinkles flaxseeds on breakfast food every day. Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can have antithrombotic effects. However, their impact on INR (International Normalized Ratio), the measure of warfarin's anticoagulant effect, is not well-established. While it's important to monitor the client's dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin K or those with potential antithrombotic effects, such as flaxseeds, this is not the priority finding among the options provided.
B. The client keeps a small supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use. This is the correct answer. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, and the client should not keep a supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use. Warfarin's anticoagulant effect is carefully monitored through regular INR checks, and adjustments to the dosage are made accordingly. The presence of vitamin K tablets suggests a potential risk of self-adjusting warfarin dosage, which can lead to fluctuations in INR levels and increase the risk of thromboembolic or bleeding events.
C. The client uses garlic as a daily dietary supplement. Garlic is known to have potential antithrombotic effects and can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. However, its impact on INR levels may vary among individuals. While it's important to consider the use of garlic as a dietary supplement, it is not the priority finding among the options provided.
D. The client consistently eats fish for dinner twice weekly. Fish consumption, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or mackerel, can have antithrombotic effects and may affect INR levels. However, the client's consistent fish consumption is less likely to have a significant impact on warfarin therapy compared to the potential self-administration of vitamin K tablets.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.