A client is prescribed rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily for continued treatment of a deep vein thrombosis. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
1I will take the tablet on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
2I will stop the medication whenever minor bruising appears.
3If I miss a day, I will double the next day's dose.
4I will take the dose with food at about the same time each day.✓ Correct answer
Explanation
Rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg doses should be taken with food to ensure adequate absorption. The client should use the prescribed missed-dose instructions and should not stop therapy independently.
Quick answer Take rivaroxaban 20 mg with food at a consistent time.
Why this is correct Food increases the bioavailability of the 20 mg dose. Consistent daily administration helps maintain the prescribed anticoagulant effect.
Easy analogy or mental picture Food is the boarding pass that helps the higher rivaroxaban dose enter reliably.
Memory hook 15 and 20 need food; 10 does not.
NCLEX decision rule Match teaching to the exact strength and indication rather than applying one administration rule to every dose.
Why the other choices are wrong Fasting reduces 20 mg exposure, minor bruising requires assessment rather than self-discontinuation, and a missed once-daily dose is not corrected by doubling the next day.
References
1DailyMed: Rivaroxaban tabletsFood and missed-dose administration instructions