Answer:
1. Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant medication, specifically a direct factor Xa inhibitor.
2. The major side effect of rivaroxaban is bleeding, which can range from mild to severe. Other possible side effects include nausea, rash, and liver enzyme elevation.
3. No, this patient will not need to have weekly blood tests with rivaroxaban. Unlike older anticoagulants like warfarin, which require frequent monitoring of blood clotting levels, rivaroxaban does not require regular blood tests.
4. While taking rivaroxaban, the patient should be advised to eat a healthy, balanced diet and to avoid excessive consumption of foods high in vitamin K, as this nutrient can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. However, the patient should not make any major dietary changes without consulting with a healthcare provider.
5. To avoid excessive bleeding while taking rivaroxaban, the patient should be instructed to avoid activities that could result in injury, such as contact sports or high-risk activities. The patient should also be advised to inform any healthcare providers treating them that they are taking an anticoagulant medication, as this can affect medical procedures and treatments. Additionally, the patient should be told to report any unusual or excessive bleeding to their healthcare provider immediately.
Step-by-step explanation: