A 52-year-old man visits the emergency room (ED) after experiencing substernal burning pain for two hours. He took several antacid tablets at home before visiting the ED, but they did not provide any relief. Other medical issues for the patient include hypertension and hyperlipidemia. His blood pressure is 160/90 mm Hg, his temperature is 36.7 C (98 F), and his pulse is 92 beats per minute. A cardiovascular examination reveals murmur-free S1 and S2, which are also normal. No abdominal soreness is present. ST-segment depression is visible on the ECG in leads II, III, and aVF. Troponin is 0.06 ng/mL (normal

Question

A 52-year-old man visits the emergency room (ED) after experiencing substernal burning pain for two hours. He took several antacid tablets at home before visiting the ED, but they did not provide any relief. Other medical issues for the patient include hypertension and hyperlipidemia. His blood pressure is 160/90 mm Hg, his temperature is 36.7 C (98 F), and his pulse is 92 beats per minute. A cardiovascular examination reveals murmur-free S1 and S2, which are also normal. No abdominal soreness is present. ST-segment depression is visible on the ECG in leads II, III, and aVF. Troponin is 0.06 ng/mL (normal <0.01 ng/mL).  As part of this patient's treatment, enoxaparin therapy is initiated.  This drug is expected to bind to which of the following substances in this patient's blood?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) that functions like heparin in that it binds and activates antithrombin III (AT III).  Activated AT III binds to factor Xa and stops factor Xa from converting prothrombin to thrombin.  Due to its fewer number of molecules, LMWH acts primarily on factor Xa, not thrombin.

A 52-Year-Old Man Visits the Emergency Room (ED) After Experiencing