Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A client is being treated for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left femoral artery. The physician has ordered 60 mg of enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously. Before administering the drug, the nurse checks the clientÔÇÖs laboratory results, noted below. Based on these results, the nurse should:
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Based on the laboratory fi ndings, prothrombin time and INR are at acceptable anticoagulation levels for the treatment of DVT. However, the platelets are below the acceptable level. Clients taking enoxaparin are at risk for thrombocytopenia. Because of the low platelet level, the nurse should withhold the enoxaparin, assess the client for bleeding, and then contact the physician.