Info-INR Flashcards
what is the normal range for INR in a normal person?
1
what is the range of INR for somone on warfarin?
2-3
aim for 2.5
what foods are contraindicated in warfarin?
foods containing vitamin K (green fruit and veg)
it is not necessary to avoid these foods, but it is important to try and keep the amount of vit K consumption consistent
What is warfarin commonly used to treat?
DVT and PE, and stroke in those with AF
how does warfarin work?
they block vitamin K epoxide reductase
without this enzyme clotting factors 2,7,9 and 10 have a decreased ability to clot
what are the symptoms if having a high INR (blood taking longer to clot)
headache stomach ache increased bruising prolonged bleeding after cuts prolonged menstrual bleeding bleeding from gums vomiting blood blood in urine dark/bloody stool
what can cause INR to raise?
too much anticoagulant medications (double dosing)
using warfarin and heparin together means that INR needs to be tested more frequently
other medications: aspirin, NASID (ibuprofen), st Jon’s, antibiotics
liver failure
bleeding disorders (haemophilia, factor 10 deficiency)
changes in vit K comsumption (too little)
alcohol: binge drinking can cause INR to increase
smoking
how is elevated INR treated?
vitamin K
blood components may be given durin a blood transfusion to help stop the bleeding
if there is no clear cause the warfarin dose can be reduced and rechecked in 4/7 days
how to prevent an elevated INR?
regular INR monitoring
take medications as directed
eat the same amount of Vit K
limit alcohol intake
don’t smoke
how to decrease the risk of bleeding?
avoid activities that cause bleeding/bruising
brush and shave gently
tell dentist/ healthcare professionals that you take anticoagulant
when to contact healthcare provider?
increased bleeding/bruising
bleeding more than usual (from gum, nose bleeds)
darker stool
blood in urine
what does high INR mean?
blood is too thin
what does low INR mean?
blood is too thick
what are the symptoms of low INR?
sudden weakness in limbs
numbness or tingling anywhere
visual changes
sudden onset of slurred speech or inability to talk
new pain, swelling, or redness/hear in any body parts
new SOB or chest pain
caused of low INR
increased consumption of VIt K
oestrogen containing medications: birth control and hormone replacement therapy
