Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
DOACs increase the risk of bleeding and injury. The client should avoid activities that may cause trauma, such as contact sports, shaving with a razor, or using a toothpick.
DOACs should be taken at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of anticoagulation. This helps to prevent fluctuations in the effect of the drug and reduces the risk of stroke or bleeding.
Signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts, should be reported immediately to the health care provider. Bleeding can be a serious complication of DOACs and may require urgent treatment or reversal.
Alcohol and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with DOACs.
Alcohol can affect the liver function and interfere with the metabolism of DOACs. Aspirin can inhibit platelet function and impair the blood clotting process.
Monitoring vital signs regularly is not necessary for clients who are receiving DOACs.
These are the instructions that the nurse should include in the teaching for a client who is receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Here is why:
Choice A is correct because DOACs increase the risk of bleeding and injury. The client should avoid activities that may cause trauma, such as contact sports, shaving with a razor, or using a toothpick.
Choice B is correct because DOACs should be taken at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of anticoagulation. This helps to prevent fluctuations in the effect of the drug and reduces the risk of stroke or bleeding.
Choice C is correct because signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts, should be reported immediately to the health care provider. Bleeding can be a serious complication of DOACs and may require urgent treatment or reversal.
Choice D is correct because alcohol and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with DOACs.
Alcohol can affect the liver function and interfere with the metabolism of DOACs. Aspirin can inhibit platelet function and impair the blood clotting process.
Choice E is wrong because monitoring vital signs regularly is not necessary for clients who are receiving DOACs.
Unlike warfarin, DOACs do not require frequent blood tests or dose adjustments based on the international normalized ratio (INR). However, the client should have periodic tests to check their kidney and liver function, as well as their blood count.