Question

A client has received lovenox a low molecular weight heparin SQ BID for three days. There is no PT/PTT, INR on the client's chart since admission. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

Answer 1

The nurse should consult with the prescribing physician regarding the need for monitoring tests such as anti-Xa levels for a client on low molecular weight heparin since PT, PTT, and INR are not typically monitored for these drugs unless there are special considerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to a nursing intervention required for a client who has been receiving low molecular weight heparin, known as Loven ox, subcutaneously twice a day for three days, and there are no clotting times or INR values charted since admission. The nurse should assess the need for laboratory monitoring of anticoagulation therapy. For low molecular weight heparins like Lovenox, regular lab monitoring is not usually required; however, it is important to assess the patient's risk factors for bleeding and potential need for dosage adjustments.

In this situation, best practice would be to consult with the prescribing physician to confirm if monitoring tests such as anti-Xa levels are necessary, given that Prothrombin Time (PT), Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), and International Normalized Ratio (INR) are not typically monitored for low molecular weight heparins unless there are special circumstances such as renal deficiency or the patient is at high risk for bleeding. The intervention ensures the patient's safety while under anticoagulant therapy. It is also crucial to monitor for signs of bleeding and other complications.