Question

The nurse instructs a patient with a pulmonary embolism about administering enoxaparin after discharge. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding about the instructions?

A. "I need to take this medicine with meals."
B. "The medicine will be prescribed for 10 days."
C. "I will inject this medicine into my upper arm."
D. "The medicine will dissolve the clot in my lung."

Answer 1

Enoxaparin should be injected beneath the skin and not in the upper arm. It does not need to be taken with meals, but should be taken at the same time every day. The duration of treatment may vary and is generally longer than 10 days.

Step-by-step explanation:

Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. When administering enoxaparin, the patient should understand that:

1. It is usually injected beneath the skin, such as in the abdomen or thigh, and not in the upper arm.
2. It does not need to be taken with meals; however, it is important to take it at the same time every day.
3. The duration of treatment may vary, but it is generally prescribed for a longer period than 10 days, depending on the individual's condition.