Which statement accurately describes enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin)?

Which statement accurately describes enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin)?

• A. Requires routine lab monitoring
• B. LMWH with no lab monitoring and reversible with protamine sulfate
• C. Direct thrombin inhibitor
• D. Dissolves clots quickly

Answer: (B)

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that acts by enhancing antithrombin’s inhibition of factor Xa, which prevents clot propagation rather than dissolving existing clots. Its effects are more predictable than those of unfractionated heparin, so routine lab monitoring isn’t needed in most patients. In special situations you might check anti-Xa activity, but not as a standard practice. For reversal after overdose, protamine sulfate can neutralize much of LMWH’s effect, though not as completely as with unfractionated heparin. It is not a direct thrombin inhibitor, and it does not rapidly dissolve clots. So the description that it requires no routine lab monitoring and is reversible with protamine sulfate best fits enoxaparin.

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that acts by enhancing antithrombin’s inhibition of factor Xa, which prevents clot propagation rather than dissolving existing clots. Its effects are more predictable than those of unfractionated heparin, so routine lab monitoring isn’t needed in most patients. In special situations you might check anti-Xa activity, but not as a standard practice. For reversal after overdose, protamine sulfate can neutralize much of LMWH’s effect, though not as completely as with unfractionated heparin. It is not a direct thrombin inhibitor, and it does not rapidly dissolve clots. So the description that it requires no routine lab monitoring and is reversible with protamine sulfate best fits enoxaparin.