Question

The patient receives warfarin (Coumadin) and becomes pregnant. The physician changes her anticoagulant to enoxaparin (Lovenox). She asks the nurse, "Why did the doctor do that?" What is the best rationale by the nurse?

1. "Because it is easier to maintain your bleeding times in a therapeutic range."
2. "Because warfarin (Coumadin) is known to cause serious cardiac defects."
3. "Because you are less likely to have bleeding with enoxaparin (Lovenox)."
4. "Because enoxaparin (Lovenox) cannot get into your baby."

Answer 1

The physician changed the anticoagulant from warfarin (Coumadin) to enoxaparin (Lovenox) to reduce the risk of bleeding in the pregnant patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best rationale for the physician changing the anticoagulant from warfarin (Coumadin) to enoxaparin (Lovenox) is that the patient is less likely to have bleeding with enoxaparin (Lovenox). Warfarin, on the other hand, can increase the risk of bleeding. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a low molecular weight heparin and is frequently given to pregnant women instead of warfarin due to its reduced bleeding risk.