Question

A patient has been receiving heparin while in the hospital to treat deep vein thromboses and will be discharged home with a prescription for enoxaparin [Lovenox]. The nurse provides teaching for the nursing student who asks about the advantages of enoxaparin over heparin. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

There are 2 types of heparin: heparin and low molecular weight (LMW) heparin (which is the enoxaparin).

Heparin has its anticoagulant effect mainly due to its action against thrombin (factor II), while LMW heparins have activity against factor X. These proteins are "coagulation factors" and the purpose of therapy with heparins is to inhibit them, so that the blood has more difficulty clotting. Enoxaparin is just one of the low molecular weight heparins. Both forms can be used for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis.