Values station Flashcards
INR
- what is it?
- normal values?
This blood test looks to see how quick your blood clots.
- Normal = 1
- Normal for those on warfarin= 2-3
Vitamin K dependant clotting factors
1972
- X, IX, VII, II
Vitamin K containing foods
Broccoli, spinach, kale, celery, cucumber, green beans, green grapes, pears, avocado= avoid these if you are on anti-coagulants
Warfarin: what is it, MOA
Anti-coagulant used to treat blood clots, blocks the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase which inhibits vitamin K dependant clotting factors. Very important to have INR checked regularly. If you miss a dose DO NOT double dose.
What does a high INR mean?
What are the symptoms?
Blood takes longer to clot so is dangerously thin. Symptoms: - Unusual, severe headache - Severe stomach ache - Increased bruising - Prolonged bleeding after minor cuts - Bleeding from gums - Vomiting blood - Blood in urine - Bloody/dark stools
What increases risk of elevated INR?
1) Too much anti-coagulation medication
check adherence to medication, are they double dosing?
2) Other medications: aspirin, NSAIDs, herbal medications, omeprazole, rifampicin, prednisolone
3) Liver failure
4) Bleeding disorders: haemophilia, factor VII
5) Decrease Vit K intake
6) Alcohol
7) Smoking
How is an elevated INR treated?
- Vitamin K
- Blood components during a transfusion to help stop
your bleeding - Warfarin dose may be decreased and INR rechecked in 4-7 days
How can I prevent elevated INR?
- Measure INR regularly
- Medication compliance
- Control your Vitamin K intake
- Do not smoke
How do I decrease my risk of bleeding?
- Avoid activities that may cause bleeding or bruising
- Brush and shave gently
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare professionals if you take anticoagulant medicine (e.g. medical alert jewellery)
Things to ask in HxPC
- any recent illness, fever, N/V/D, significant pain or stress?
- Side effects of warfarin? (all of the bleeding ones)
Things to ask in DHX
- Confirm current Warfarin dose, any missed doses?- - — Taking it at the same time everyday?
- Double dosing?
- Any new medicines, discontinued medicines since last INR check?
- NSAIDS, aspirin, antibiotics, amiodarone, steroids
Things to ask in SHx
- Any major changes (fasting, weight watchers), liver or 7 consumption?
- Diet rich in vitamin K or lacking vitamin K I .e. sudden change in intake of vitamin k rich foods? cranberry juice?
Low INR - what does it mean? what are the symptoms?
Blood may be dangerously thick. Symptoms:
- Sudden weakness in any limb
- Numbness or tingling anywhere
- Visual changes
- Sudden onset of slurred speech or inability to speak
- New pain, swelling, redness or heat in body parts
- New SOB or chest pain
Causes of low INR
- Supplements containing vitamin K
- High intake of foods that contain Vitamin K
- Oestrogen containing medications e.g. birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
Treatment for low INR
- Warfarin
- LMWH
HBA1c
- What is it?
- Normal values? (pre-diabetic, diabetic)
Glycated haemoglobin - Gives the average blood glucose level over the previous two or three months Normal= 42 mmol/mol or <6.0% Pre-diabetes= 42-47 mmol/mol or 6-6.4% Diabetes= 48 mmol/mol or >6.5%
Benefits of lowering HbA1c
Reduces the risk of
- Retinopathy
- Neuropathy
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Cataracts
- Heart failure
- Amputation
Management plan for lowering HbA1c
- Be careful what you eat : dietary modifications
- Physical activity (check with doctor to see if chance of hypogylcaemia)
- Medications e.g. insulin, metformin, sulphonylureas
- Take extra care when you are ill, sick day rules
- Monitor blood sugar levels
Conditions where it might be falsely raised
kidney failure
chronic excessive alcohol intake
vitamin B12 deficiency
Conditions where it might be falsely decreased
acute or chronic blood loss
sickle cell disease
thalassemia
Medications that may increase HbA1c levels
corticosteroids
Things to ask in the presenting complaint?
I understand that you are…. and I can see from your results that your HbA1c is…..
- When were you diagnosed with DM?
- What type is it?
- How are you feeling about it?
- benefits of it being too high/ too low
- Any recent illness/infection
- Any hospital admissions for DKA
- Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, changes in vision, diabetic neuropathy, impotence (erectile dysfunction)
Things to ask in the PMH
Any cardiovascular/ cerebrovascular/ renal/ visual complications
Things to ask in the DHx
- How do you think your diabetes is being controlled?
- Do you think it is going well?
- What are you taking?
- Any recent changes to the meds?
- How and when are you taking it?
- Injecting correctly? rotate the sides?
- Any side effects?
- Are you monitoring your glucose regularly?
Things to ask in SHx
- How is your mood/sleep?
- Is it affecting your ADL?
- What is your diet like? have you been on any diet lately or tried to lose any weight?
- Exercise
- Smoking
- Drinking