The nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin.
Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse monitor while the client is receiving enoxaparin?
The nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin.
Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse monitor while the client is receiving enoxaparin?
A. platelet count
[38%]
B. activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
[48%]
C. international normalized ratio (INR)
[12%]
D. white blood cell (WBC) count
[1%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Pharmacology
Lesson
Hematological/Oncological
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice A is correct. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight-based heparin (LMWH). One of the adverse events of enoxaparin is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This severe condition results in a 50% or more decrease in the platelet count while also causing thrombosis. Therefore, it is reasonable to monitor the platelet count after initiating enoxaparin.
Choice B is incorrect. Unlike unfractionated heparin, enoxaparin does not require aPTT monitoring. aPTT is appropriate for monitoring a client receiving unfractionated heparin. An unfractionated heparin dose is titrated for an aPTT of 1.5 to 2 times the control (baseline) value to achieve the treatment effect. Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) are inadequate for monitoring Lovenox's anticoagulant effects.
Choice C is incorrect. INR is used to measure the effectiveness of warfarin. INR is not relevant to the use of enoxaparin.
Choices D are incorrect. WBC count would be monitored for an array of indications, such as chemotherapy treatment and bacteremia. This laboratory test is not influenced by enoxaparin.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Heparin
24.2 Anticoagulant & Antiplatelet Medications
Additional Info
✓ Enoxaparin may be used to treat or prevent venous thromboembolism and acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
✓ Enoxaparin is advantageous because this medication does not require aPTT monitoring.
✓ Enoxaparin should not be administered to individuals with recent spinal surgery or active gastrointestinal bleeding.
✓ Do not administer Lovenox by intramuscular injection.
✓ Do not expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringes before the injection to avoid the loss of the drug.
✓ The nurse should inject enoxaparin into the client's abdomen and refrain from massaging the area following the administration.
