PLAB 2 NewCase_3: Rivaroxaban
- Ann Augustin
- Oct 30, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2024

Question 1: Which of the following conditions are common indications for prescribing Rivaroxaban? (Select all that apply)
A) Prevention of stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation
B) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment and prevention
C) Hypertension
D) Pulmonary embolism (PE) treatment and prevention
Answers
Correct options:
A) Prevention of stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation
B) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment and prevention
D) Pulmonary embolism (PE) treatment and prevention
Explanations:
A) Prevention of stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Rivaroxaban is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
B) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment and prevention: It is used for both the treatment of acute DVT and the prevention of recurrent DVT.
D) Pulmonary embolism (PE) treatment and prevention: Rivaroxaban treats acute PE and prevents its recurrence.
Incorrect options:
C) Hypertension: Rivaroxaban is not used to treat high blood pressure.
E) Hyperthyroidism: It is not indicated for hyperthyroidism management.
Question 2: How should patients be advised to take Rivaroxaban? (Select all that apply)
A) Take the medication at the same time each day
B) Double the dose if a dose is missed
C) Take with food if prescribed a dose of 15 mg or higher
D) Avoid consuming grapefruit juice
Answers
Correct options:
A) Take the medication at the same time each day
C) Take with food if prescribed a dose of 15 mg or higher
E) Inform healthcare providers about all other medications
Explanations:
A) Take the medication at the same time each day: Consistent dosing maintains steady drug levels for optimal efficacy.
C) Take with food if prescribed a dose of 15 mg or higher: Food enhances the absorption of higher doses, improving effectiveness.
E) Inform healthcare providers about all other medications: To avoid potential drug interactions that could affect rivaroxaban's efficacy or safety.
Incorrect options:
B) Double the dose if a dose is missed: Doubling doses increases bleeding risk; patients should follow medical advice on missed doses.
D) Avoid consuming grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice does not significantly interact with rivaroxaban.
Question 3: Which of the following are common complaints or challenges patients may experience in daily life while taking Rivaroxaban? (Select all that apply)
A) Frequent blood tests
B) Easy bruising or bleeding
C) Dietary restrictions affecting vitamin K intake
D) Gastrointestinal discomfort
Answers
Correct options:
B) Easy bruising or bleeding
D) Gastrointestinal discomfort
Explanations:
B) Easy bruising or bleeding: As an anticoagulant, rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding, leading to easy bruising or prolonged bleeding.
D) Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some patients may experience stomach upset, indigestion, or other GI symptoms.
Incorrect options:
A) Frequent blood tests: Routine blood monitoring is not required with rivaroxaban, unlike with warfarin.
C) Dietary restrictions affecting vitamin K intake: No specific dietary restrictions are needed regarding vitamin K.
E) Weight gain: Weight gain is not a recognized side effect of rivaroxaban.
Question 4: What are some adverse reactions associated with Rivaroxaban therapy? (Select all that apply)
A) Hemorrhage
B) Hepatic impairment
C) Skin necrosis
D) Thrombocytopenia
Answers
Correct options:
A) Hemorrhage
B) Hepatic impairment
D) Thrombocytopenia
Explanations:
A) Hemorrhage: Bleeding is the most significant risk associated with rivaroxaban.
B) Hepatic impairment: Elevated liver enzymes and liver dysfunction have been reported.
D) Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet counts can occur, increasing bleeding risk.
Incorrect options:
C) Skin necrosis: This is a rare complication associated with warfarin, not rivaroxaban.
E) Hypotension: Not commonly reported as an adverse effect of rivaroxaban.
Question 5: Regarding follow-up and review for a patient on Rivaroxaban, which statements are true? (Select all that apply)
A) Routine INR monitoring is not required
B) Renal function should be assessed periodically
C) The dose needs adjustment in severe renal impairment
D) Rivaroxaban therapy is usually lifelong without exception
Answers
Correct options:
A) Routine INR monitoring is not required
B) Renal function should be assessed periodically
C) The dose needs adjustment in severe renal impairment
Explanations:
A) Routine INR monitoring is not required: Rivaroxaban has predictable effects, eliminating the need for regular INR checks.
B) Renal function should be assessed periodically: The drug is partially excreted by the kidneys; impaired function can affect drug levels.
C) The dose needs adjustment in severe renal impairment: Dose modifications may be necessary to prevent accumulation and bleeding risk.
Incorrect options:
D) Rivaroxaban therapy is usually lifelong without exceptions: Duration depends on the condition being treated.
E) Frequent dose adjustments based on coagulation tests are necessary: Routine coagulation monitoring is not needed, and doses are generally fixed.
Question 6: Which lifestyle modifications should be recommended to a patient taking Rivaroxaban? (Select all that apply)
A) Avoid activities with a high risk of injury
B) Limit alcohol consumption
C) Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods
D) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding
Answers
Correct options:
A) Avoid activities with a high risk of injury
B) Limit alcohol consumption
D) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding
Explanations:
A) Avoid activities with a high risk of injury: Reduces the risk of bleeding from trauma.
B) Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase bleeding risk and affect drug metabolism.
D) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding: Minimizes bleeding during oral hygiene.
Incorrect options:
C) Maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods: Not necessary, as rivaroxaban is not affected by vitamin K intake.
E) Start new herbal supplements to boost immunity: Some supplements can interact with rivaroxaban; always consult a healthcare provider first.
Question 7: What safety netting advice should be given to patients starting Rivaroxaban? (Select all that apply)
A) Report any signs of bleeding immediately
B) Always carry Anticoagulant Alert Card
C) Self-adjust the dose based on how they feel
D) Tell health providers about rivaroxaban before procedures
Answers
Correct options:
A) Report any signs of bleeding immediately
B) Always carry Anticoagulant Alert Card
D) Tell health providers about rivaroxaban before procedures.
Explanations:
A) Report any signs of bleeding immediately: Early reporting allows for prompt management.
B) Always carry Anticoagulant Alert Card: Crucial in emergencies for appropriate care and informing the doctor of the anticoagulation the patient is on
D) Inform healthcare providers about rivaroxaban before any procedure: Necessary to assess bleeding risk and adjust management.
Incorrect options:
C) Self-adjust the dose based on how they feel: Dosing changes should only be made by a healthcare professional.
E) Skip doses if minor side effects occur: Consult a doctor before making any changes to medication regimen.
Question 8: Which of the following medications or substances can interact with Rivaroxaban? (Select all that apply)
A) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole
B) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
C) Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
D) Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort
Answers
Correct options:
A) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole
B) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
D) Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort
Explanations:
A) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole: Can increase rivaroxaban levels, elevating bleeding risk.
B) NSAIDs: Increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with rivaroxaban.
D) Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort: Can decrease rivaroxaban effectiveness by inducing its metabolism.
Incorrect options:
C) Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Generally safe and does not significantly interact with rivaroxaban.
E) Antacids: Do not have a meaningful interaction with rivaroxaban.
Question 9: When educating a patient about Rivaroxaban therapy, which points are essential to cover? (Select all that apply)
A) The importance of adherence to dosing schedule
B) There is no need for routine blood monitoring
C) That rivaroxaban has no dietary interactions
D) The need to avoid pregnancy while on rivaroxaban
AnswersCorrect options:
A) The importance of adherence to dosing schedule
B) There is no need for routine blood monitoring
D) The need to avoid pregnancy while on rivaroxaban
Explanations:
A) The importance of adherence to dosing schedule: Missing doses can reduce efficacy and increase the risk of clot formation.
B) There is no need for routine blood monitoring: Simplifies management compared to warfarin, improving patient compliance.
D) The need to avoid pregnancy while on rivaroxaban: Rivaroxaban is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus.
Incorrect options:
C) That rivaroxaban has no dietary interactions: While true, it's less critical to emphasize unless the patient asks.
E) That rivaroxaban provides immediate anticoagulation: It has a rapid onset but may not provide immediate anticoagulation in all clinical scenarios.
Question 10: Which statements about the duration of Rivaroxaban therapy are correct? (Select all that apply)
A) Duration depends on the underlying condition
B) Rivaroxaban is always prescribed for a minimum of 1 year
C) Some conditions may require lifelong therapy
D) Therapy duration is unaffected by patient risk factors
Answers
Correct options:
A) Duration depends on the underlying condition
C) Some conditions may require lifelong therapy
Explanations:
A) Duration depends on the underlying condition: Treatment length varies; for example, short-term after surgery vs. long-term for atrial fibrillation.
C) Some conditions may require lifelong therapy: Chronic conditions or high-risk patients might need indefinite anticoagulation.
Incorrect options:
B) Rivaroxaban is always prescribed for a minimum of one year: Duration can be shorter based on clinical guidelines and patient factors.
D) Therapy duration is unaffected by patient risk factors: Risk factors like previous clots influence the length of therapy.
E) The duration is the same for all patients with DVT: Treatment duration can vary depending on whether the DVT was provoked or unprovoked and patient-specific risk factors.
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