Dalteparin dosing is based on which patient characteristic?

• A. Age
• B. Body weight
• C. Renal function
• D. Gender

Answer: (B)

Dalteparin dosing is based on body weight because low–molecular-weight heparins have predictable anticoagulant effects when the dose is scaled to how much the patient weighs. Calculating the dose in units per kilogram ensures that larger and smaller patients receive an amount that achieves the intended level of anticoagulation without under- or overdosing. Age and gender don’t determine the dose, since their impact on how the drug distributes or exerts effect is minimal compared with weight. Renal function does matter for safety, because reduced kidney function can lead to accumulation and increased bleeding risk, so clinicians may adjust or monitor closely in those cases, but the standard approach remains weight-based dosing.