Exam 2: Heparin/Med Calc Flashcards
Heparin prevents…
Blood clots
Too much Heparin can lead to…
Excessive bleeding from even a slight injury
Heparin is what kind of medication?
Anticoagulant
Heparin is usually prescribed to patients with what?
- Venous thromboembolism
- Unstable angina
- Acute myocardial infarction
How can Heparin be administered?
SubQ or IV
May also be used to flush ports or dialysis catheters
What do we use to measure therapeutic level of Heparin?
Partial thromboplastin test (aPTT)
When does aPTT have to be done?
- Prior to administration and is used to determine the starting dose
- After starting dose
By physician order or protocol, the patient receives a loading dose of Heparin by IVP based on what?
Weight (in kg)
After a loading dose of Heparin is administered, what do we do?
A continuous infusion is started
aPTT results are typically monitored how often?
Every 6-8 hours
If the patient is bleeding, what do we do with Heparin?
- Heparin is stopped
- VS
- Monitor CBC
If the patient experiences major bleeding with Heparin, what will the physician order?
Protamine Sulfate
(To reverse the effects of Heparin)
Heparin administered IV is ordered as…
Units per hour
When administering IV Heparin, you MUST use what?
An infusion pump for accuracy
Heparin drips usually come mixed with…
25,000 units of Heparin in 250mL of D5W
Heparin infusions formula
First calculate the units: Dose (mL/hour) = units on hand (25,000)/ mL on hand (250 mL)
Second calculate the dose: Amount/ Amount on hand)
How many units of Heparin per mL?
100 units Heparin/mL
Because 25,000/250 =100
Heparin subcutaneous is used to prevent…
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) as a prophylactic treatment
How is Heparin subcutaneous decided?
Physician will identify amount of Heparin the patient should receive in the order. The dose or amount may also be determined by pt weight in kg.
What must the nurse do in order to administer subq Heparin to a patient?
Calculate the dose
Subcutaneous Heparin Formula
Dose = amount ordered/amount on hand x quantity
