A Patient with a Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)is Started on Enoxaparin

question 1

Multiple Choice

A patient with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) is started on enoxaparin (Lovenox) and warfarin (Coumadin) .The patient asks the nurse why two medications are necessary.Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A) "Taking two blood thinners reduces the risk for another clot to form."
• B) "Lovenox will start to dissolve the clot, and Coumadin will prevent any more clots from forming."
• C) "Lovenox will work right away, but Coumadin takes several days to have an effect on preventing clots."
• D) "Because of the risk for a blood clot in the lungs, it is important for you to take more than one blood thinner."

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Definitions:

Fischer Projection

A two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional organic molecule by projecting bonds from a chiral center, used to depict stereochemistry.

Chiral

Describes a molecule that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, often resulting in molecules that have different biological activities.

Asymmetric Carbons

Carbon atoms bonded to four different groups, creating a chiral center and leading to possible optical isomerism.

Fischer Projection

A two-dimensional representation of a 3D organic molecule by projection, depicting stereochemistry at chiral centers.