Question

A nurse is receiving a client who is immediately postoperative following hip arthroplasty. Which

of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer for DVT prophylaxis?
) Lovenox subcutaneous
Heparin infusion
Aspirin PO
Warfarin PO

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

For DVT prophylaxis in a client immediately postoperative following hip arthroplasty, the nurse should plan to administer the medication Lovenox subcutaneous (option a).

Lovenox, also known as enoxaparin, is a low molecular weight heparin that is commonly used for DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients. It works by inhibiting blood clot formation. Subcutaneous administration is a common route for Lovenox, and it is usually given once or twice daily.

Heparin infusion (option b) is typically used for therapeutic anticoagulation rather than prophylaxis. It is more commonly used for treating existing blood clots rather than preventing them.

Aspirin (option c) and warfarin (option d) are also commonly used for DVT prophylaxis in certain situations. However, they are not the preferred choice for immediate postoperative DVT prophylaxis following hip arthroplasty. Aspirin is more commonly used for milder cases or in patients with contraindications to other anticoagulants. Warfarin requires monitoring of the INR (International Normalized Ratio) and takes several days to reach therapeutic levels, making it less suitable for immediate postoperative prophylaxis.

It is important to note that the specific medication and dosage for DVT prophylaxis may vary based on individual patient factors, such as their risk profile and any contraindications. The nurse should consult the healthcare provider's orders and follow the facility's protocols for DVT prophylaxis in postoperative patients.