Anticoagulants: heparins

Question 1

action of warfarin

Answer 1

Inhibits coagulation

Question 2

Action of heparins

Answer 2

Activate antithrombin 3

This inactivates some clotting factors and thrombin by completing with serine protease of factors

Question 3

How long do heparins take to act

Answer 3

Immediate

Question 4

What are heparins used for

Answer 4

Prevent thrombosis (venous, unstable angina)
 and used to prevent blood clotting on collection

Question 5

What to use whilst warfarin takes effect

Answer 5

Heparins

Question 6

How are unfractionated heparins monitored

Answer 6

APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time)

Question 7

Do LMWH require coagulation monitoring

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What do you need to do if heparins are used for more than 5 days and why

Answer 8

> 5 days can lead to thrombocytopenia

-Therefore monitor platelet count

Question 9

Diagnosis of DVT

Answer 9

ultrasound

Blood test: Increased levels of D-dimer (product of fibrinolysis)

Question 10

Why is heparin used in DVT

Answer 10

patients who are in hospital get assessed for their DVT risk and so can get prescribed heparins