Reference no: EM133925568

Question

Margaret is a 57-year-old female who presents to the emergency department with complaints of pain and swelling in her right calf. The triage nurse assesses Margaret and finds that her right lower leg is edematous, reddened, and warm to the touch. Margaret has a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. She is one month post right total knee replacement, and she reports she is having difficulty regaining her presurgical activity level. Margaret is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 197 pounds. She works in an office and is planning to return to work in one week. She said her job is stressful and she will be expected to be in the office from 9am-5pm with a short lunch break. She will be overall sedentary while at work. Margaret is sent for a Doppler ultrasound of both legs, which confirms the diagnosis of right leg deep vein thrombosis. The physician writes orders to be admitted to a medical unit and to begin anticoagulant therapy. Prior to beginning the medication, the nurse draws blood per the anticoagulant protocol. Assignment: Which drug is the best choice for Margaret, considering her background, history, work situation, and current health status? Explain