Anti-Coagulants

Question 1

Anti-Coagulant

HEPARIN

Answer 1

ONSET: < 1 hour

ROUTE: IV or SQ

SHORT TERM

LABS TO WATCH: PTT should be 1.5-2.5 times the control

ANTIDOTE: PROTAMINE SULFATE

WILL THIS MED BREAKDOWN A CLOT? NO

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF DRUG THERAPY:
HEPARIN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA (HIT)

Question 2

Anti-Coagulant

WARFARIN

Answer 2

ONSET: 4-10 days

LONG TERM

ROUTES: PO only

LABS TO WATCH: INR or PT
INR should be 2-3
*international normalized ratio

ANTIDOTE: VITAMIN K

WILL THIS MED BREAKDOWN A CLOT? NO

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF DRUG THERAPY:
Coumadin induced necrosis

Question 3

things to REMEMBER (Anti-Coagulants)

Answer 3

1. Be careful, some herbal medications can interfere with anticoagulants.
2. Tell Pxs to STOP TAKING 2 WEEKS BEFORE surgery
3. Frequent blood draws will be needed during initiation of Tx.

Question 4

Anti-Coagulant

ENOXAPARIN

Answer 4

INDICATION: prevent DVT

ROUTE: SQ or IV (less common)

PX ASSESSMENT:

1. Med should be clear with no particles/discoloration before injecting.
2. Monitor for signs of bleeding.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
❌ do NOT give if Px has hx of HIT
❌ STOP 24 hours before surgery.
❌ do NOT take with other blood thinners

𝑹𝑬𝑴𝑨𝑹 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔
-this is considered Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
The benefits of LMWH over Heparin:
1. ONCE daily injections
2. No lab monitoring
3. Can be prescribed as Out Px Therapy