Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets Flashcards
Why should PT take anticoagulants?
prevent clotting (coagulation of blood)
prevent MI, stroke, unstable angina, A-Fib, DVT, PE, and VTE
Anticoagulant example medications
Warfarin and Heparin
What is the mechanism of action of Warfarin ?
blocks the synthesis of Vitamin K, so the liver can not produce clotting factors
What should always be monitored on warfarin? Why?
PT/INR to stay in range because
inc INR = inc clotting
dec INR =inc bleeding
What is the reversal agent of warfarin? Which is the fastes?
Vitamin K, FFP, PCC*
What should the nurse tell/say/do/watch to the patient on warfarin?
works slow
go to the ER for any head injury
monitor for bleeding signs
do not take NSAID or ASA
avoid vitamin K (leafy greens)
monitor HCT/HGB (>7 is going to heaven)
always wearing a medical alert bracelet
How do you guide heparin dosages? what type of heparin is dosed?
PTT lab monitoring
unfractionated heparin (drips)
LMWH medicine
- example
- how is it given
-is it safe for pregnancy
- do you need to monitor?
Enoxaprin (Lovenox)
SubQ
yes this is the only safe anticoagulant
PTT not needed
What should a nurse do/say/watch/tell a patient on heparin?
check PT weight
high risk drug=double check with nurse
inject SubQ not IM
can be given with IV bolus for therapeutic effect
s/s of bleeding
lab monitoring: PTT
what are the adverse effects of heparin?
HIT = heparin induced thrombocytopenia
- activated platelets and causes clots
Type 1 : heparin is continued
Type 2: heparin is discontinued
what is the reversal agent of heparin?
Protamin sulfate
What is bridge therapy?
Pt needs Coumadin but that doesn’t work fast enough so during that time the Pt is given heparin (LMWH) until therapeutic INR is reached.
Anti-platelet medicine example
Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
Clopidogrel ( Plavix)
Who needs to be put on asprin?
reduce atherosclerosis
primary + secondary thromboembolic treatment
prevent MI + stroke
secondary stroke prevention
What is the mechanism of action of asprin?
COX inhibitor that reduced platelet aggregation (clotting)
