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AF anticoagulation counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsAF anticoagulation counsellingGPhC CRA

A 76-year-old starting apixaban for atrial fibrillation collects the medicine and asks what to do if they develop black stools or prolonged bleeding. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Seek urgent medical advice for significant or persistent bleeding

Direct oral anticoagulants increase bleeding risk and patients need clear safety-netting. Black stools, haematuria, prolonged bleeding or severe unexplained bruising require urgent assessment. In this scenario, the correct option is seek urgent medical advice for significant or persistent bleeding. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS