The nurse is reinforcing education to a client with a venous thromboembolism who is prescribed rivaroxaban. Which statement by the client indicates the medication teaching has been effective?

Question

The nurse is reinforcing education to a client with a venous thromboembolism who is prescribed rivaroxaban.  Which statement by the client indicates the medication teaching has been effective?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Factor Xa inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban [Xarelto], edoxaban, apixaban) are anticoagulants used to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism. Factor Xa inhibitors are being prescribed more frequently than other oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), as they have a lower risk of bleeding and require less ongoing monitoring (eg, PT/INR). Clients prescribed rivaroxaban should be educated to avoid taking over-the-counter medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, such as NSAIDs (eg, aspirin), garlic, and ginger. The combined effects of rivaroxaban and other anticoagulants may greatly increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding (eg, epidural, intracranial, gastrointestinal) and hemorrhage (Option C). (Option A) Unlike warfarin, factor Xa inhibitors are not affected by vitamin K, which is found in many green, leafy vegetables (eg, spinach, kale). (Option B) Anticoagulants, particularly factor Xa inhibitors, increase the risk for spontaneous intracranial bleeding or formation of epidural hematomas. Clients taking factor Xa inhibitors should be instructed to immediately contact their health care provider for symptoms of neurological impairment (eg, extremity weakness, altered sensation, numbness). (Option D) Routine monitoring of clotting times (eg, PT/INR, PTT) is unnecessary for clients prescribed factor Xa inhibitors. Educational objective: The nurse should instruct clients receiving factor Xa inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, apixaban), which are anticoagulants, to avoid taking additional medications or supplements with anticoagulant effects (eg, NSAIDs, garlic, ginger). The combined anticoagulant effects increase the risk for uncontrolled bleeding and hemorrhage.

The Nurse Is Reinforcing Education to a Client with a Venous