A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

This is because swelling in one leg could indicate a new or worsening deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that can lead to pulmonary embolism or other complications. The client should report this finding to the provider immediately and seek medical attention.

Choice A) Bruising at injection site is wrong because bruising is a common and expected side effect of enoxaparin therapy, especially if the client is using the same injection site repeatedly.

The client should be instructed to rotate the injection sites and apply gentle pressure after each injection to minimize bruising.

Choice B) Redness at injection site is wrong because redness is also a common and expected side effect of enoxaparin therapy, as it indicates a local inflammatory response to the medication.

The client should be advised to avoid rubbing or scratching the injection site and to apply a cold compress if needed.

Choice D) Mild pain at injection site is wrong because mild pain is also a common and expected side effect of enoxaparin therapy, as it reflects the needle insertion and the medication delivery.

The client should be reassured that the pain will subside shortly and to use a different injection site for the next dose.

Normal ranges for enoxaparin therapy are based on the client’s weight, indication, and renal function.

The usual dose for DVT prophylaxis is 40 mg subcutaneously once daily, and the usual dose for DVT treatment is 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours.

The client should have regular blood tests to monitor the anti-factor Xa level, which should be between 0.5 and 1.0 IU/mL for DVT prophylaxis and between 0.6 and 1.0 IU/mL for DVT treatment.

The client should also have regular platelet counts to check for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is a rare but serious complication of enoxaparin therapy that causes a drop in platelets and an increased risk of thrombosis.

The normal platelet count range is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3.

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the production of stomach acid.

Dabigatran is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming.

Both drugs can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in clients with peptic ulcer disease.Therefore, they should not be used together unless absolutely necessary.

Choice B. Ranitidine is wrong because ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that also reduces the production of stomach acid, but to a lesser extent than PPIs.Ranitidine does not interact significantly with dabigatran and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C. Sucralfate is wrong because sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that forms a barrier over ulcers and protects them from acid and enzymes.Sucralfate does not affect the coagulation system and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice D. Misoprostol is wrong because misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that inhibits gastric acid secretion and increases bicarbonate and mucus production.

Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers in clients who take NSAIDs, which can cause ulcers and bleeding.

Misoprostol does not interact with dabigatran and does not increase the risk of bleeding.