Which medications are commonly given before and after surgery to prevent venous thromboembolism?

Which medications are commonly given before and after surgery to prevent venous thromboembolism?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Heparin and Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Metformin

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is preventing blood clots after surgery using medications that affect the clotting system. Heparin and enoxaparin (Lovenox) are the standard options for this purpose. They work to slow or interrupt the coagulation process, which lowers the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the perioperative period. Unfractionated heparin is typically given around the time of surgery and may continue afterwards, with monitoring (such as aPTT) to keep the level appropriate and minimize bleeding. Low-molecular-weight heparin, like enoxaparin, is given by subcutaneous injection and provides more predictable anticoagulation with less routine lab monitoring, often on a fixed dosing schedule. These properties make them the go-to agents for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in many surgical patients, including those undergoing high-risk procedures. The other medications listed don’t prevent VTE: antibiotics prevent infection, NSAIDs like ibuprofen don’t reduce clot risk and can raise bleeding risk, and metformin is used for diabetes management.

The idea being tested is preventing blood clots after surgery using medications that affect the clotting system. Heparin and enoxaparin (Lovenox) are the standard options for this purpose. They work to slow or interrupt the coagulation process, which lowers the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the perioperative period. Unfractionated heparin is typically given around the time of surgery and may continue afterwards, with monitoring (such as aPTT) to keep the level appropriate and minimize bleeding. Low-molecular-weight heparin, like enoxaparin, is given by subcutaneous injection and provides more predictable anticoagulation with less routine lab monitoring, often on a fixed dosing schedule. These properties make them the go-to agents for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in many surgical patients, including those undergoing high-risk procedures.

The other medications listed don’t prevent VTE: antibiotics prevent infection, NSAIDs like ibuprofen don’t reduce clot risk and can raise bleeding risk, and metformin is used for diabetes management.