SN instructed patient how Lovenox is used to reduce the chance of blood clots when another blood thinner is held for a short time. When you take an oral blood thinner and need a procedure/surgery, your doctor asks you to temporarily stop taking your usual blood thinner and instead take enoxaparin to help prevent blood clots before the procedure/surgery. After the procedure/surgery, your doctor will tell you when it is safe to start taking your regularly prescribed oral blood thinner again. This is called bridge therapy it allows for continued blood thinning without the blood being too thin for too long as oral blood thinners stay in the body for a much longer time.
SN explained to patient that Lovenox is to be administered as one pre-filled syringe by deep subcutaneous injection in the abdominal fat. Only one shot is administered in the morning and one shot is administered at night for physician ordered specific number of days. SN instructed patient on technique and importance of rotating injection sites around abdomen.
SN instructed patient to keep pre-filled syringes at room temperature. SN instructed/demonstrated patient / caregiver on proper administration of Lovenox. SN informed that the most common side effect associated with Lovenox is bleeding. Patient was instructed to call Physician (MD) they experience any increased pain signs or symptoms of excessive bleeding/bruising. SN Informed that mild localized irritation, pain, hematoma, ecchymosis may occur at the site of injection.
Instructed patient how Lovenox is used to reduce the chance of blood clots when another blood thinner is stopped for a short time. For example, if you take warfarin and need surgery, your doctor may ask you to stop taking warfarin for a short time before the surgery. You will take enoxaparin to help prevent blood clots before the surgery. After the surgery, your doctor will tell you when it is safe to start taking warfarin again. This is called bridge therapy.
Instructed patient Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if: You passed out (lost consciousness). You have signs of severe bleeding, such as: A severe headache that is different from past headaches. Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds. Passing maroon or very bloody stools. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have unexpected bleeding, including: Blood in stools or black stools that look like tar. Blood in your urine. Bruises or blood spots under the skin. You feel dizzy or light-headed.
Instructed patient Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if: You passed out (lost consciousness). You have signs of severe bleeding, such as: A severe headache that is different from past headaches. Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds. Passing maroon or very bloody stools.
Instructed patient to talk to your doctor before you take any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, antibiotics, vitamins, or natural health products.
Instructed patient if you are taking a blood thinner, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
Instructed patient about take precautions don't rub the injection site. This could cause bruising.
Instructed patient Lovenox to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the legs, pelvis, or arms.