Anti-platelet Medication

Question 1

Anti-platelet Medication

-Overview

Answer 1

1. Interferes w/ platelet aggregation
   - Prolongs bleeding time
2. Antiplatelet medication affects ADP and TXA2

-ADP, thromboxane A2 are enzymes that platelets give off that increase platelet activity

Question 2

Anti-platelet Medication

-Common meds

Answer 2

1. Aspirin
2. ticlopidine (Ticlid)
3. clopidogrel (Plavix)

Question 3

Anti-platelet Medication

-Half-life?

Answer 3

The anti-platelet med irreversibly changes the platelet so it lasts for the full life of the platelet which is about 10 days.

The half life of anti-platelet medication is half the life of the platelet
5 days

Question 4

Can an Anti-platelet be given IV?

Answer 4

Yes, anti-platelet’s can be given IV

Question 5

Anti-platelet Medication

-When not to take?

Answer 5

1. Don’t take plavix or other anti-platelets:
   - Before surgery
   - before dental work

Question 6

Anti-platelet Medication

-Therapeutic use?

Answer 6

1. MI’s (Heart attack)

2. CVA (Stroke)

Question 7

Anti-platelet Medication

-Contraindication

Answer 7

1. Severe liver impairment
   - clotting proteins come from the liver
2. Active bleeding
3. Aspirin = “allergic triad”
   - cause renal or otic disease
   - Watch for asthma with aspirin

Question 8

Anti-platelet Medication

-Drug Interactions

Answer 8

1. Risk of bleeding w/ anti-coagulants
2. acidifying agents with aspirin
3. NSAID’s with plavix
   - Can increase the effectiveness of the drug

Question 9

Anti-platelet Medication

-Averse effects

Answer 9

1. Bruising and petechiae
2. Headache, dizziness, weakness
3. Watch for platelet number -thrombocytopenia
4. Aspirin
   - Watch for hearing changes, anaphylactic reactions w/ aspirin

Question 10

Anti-platelet Medication

-Nursing Implication/Teaching

Answer 10

1. Watch for bleeding
   - Teach client to monitor GI bleeding by looking at stool and reporting any changes in stool or urine (rose color)
2. LOC changes
   - Watch for inter cranial bleeding signs
3. Monitor I/O (Dehydration)

Question 11

Anti-platelet Medication

-Normal platelet number?

Answer 11

150,000 - 400,000

Watch for decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) when taking anti-platelet medications