What is an important nursing consideration before administering anticoagulants like enoxaparin?

Monitoring for signs of bleeding is paramount before administering anticoagulants like enoxaparin due to their mechanism of action, which is to inhibit clot formation. As these medications increase the risk of bleeding, it is essential for the nurse to assess the patient for any current signs or history of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, or melena. Detecting these signs helps to prevent potential complications associated with anticoagulant therapy.

Additionally, understanding the patient's baseline health status and any existing conditions is crucial when administering these medications. While other factors such as liver function and allergies may be relevant in certain contexts, the immediate priority with anticoagulants is to ensure the patient is not at an increased risk for adverse bleeding events after medication administration.