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Anticoagulant dental procedure — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsAnticoagulant dental procedureGPhC CRA

A patient taking apixaban for atrial fibrillation says her dentist has asked whether she should stop it before a simple extraction tomorrow. She has normal renal function. What is the most appropriate action?

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

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Correct answer: B — Advise the dentist or prescriber should confirm the peri-procedural plan

Peri-procedural anticoagulant management depends on bleeding risk, renal function, timing of doses and the dental plan. Many minor dental procedures can be managed with local haemostatic measures and carefully timed DOAC dosing, but the decision should be confirmed by the dental clinician or prescriber. A 7-day interruption would expose the patient to avoidable thromboembolic risk. Vitamin K does not reverse apixaban.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS