Week 5: Anticoagulants Flashcards
Which is the following is the preferred medication to reverse the anticoagulant effects of unfractionated heparin?
a) Vitamin K
b) Protamine Sulfate
c) Platelet transfusion
d) Plasma components
b- protamine sulfate
The onset of anticoagulation effect of warfarin usually occurs how soon after the initiation of therapy?
a) immediately
b) 1 to 2 days
c) 3 to 5 days
d) 5 to 7 days
c - 3 to 5 days
Compared with unfractionated heparin, characteristics of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) include all of the following except:
a) more antiplatelet effect
b) decreased need for monitor of anticoagulant effect
c) longer half-life
d) superior bioavailability
a - more antiplatelet effect
What is the international normalized ratio (INR) range recommended during warfarin therapy as part of the management of a patient with DVT?
a) 1.5 to 2.0
b) 2.0 to 3.0
c) 2.5 to 3.5
d) 3.0 to 4.0
b - 2.0 to 3.0
Which of the following belongs in the direct thrombin inhibitor class?
a) rivaroxaban
b) dabigatran
c) apixaban
d) edoxaban
b - dabigatran
Clotting Cascade
Warfarin MOA and unique indication that it must be given for
- Vitamin K antagonist - depletes functional Vitamin K reserves by competitively inhibiting VKORC1 complex, which reduces the ability of the liver to synthesize (produce) the Vitamin K dependent clotting factors (X, IX, VII, and II) - [2+7= 9 which is one less than 10]
- mechanical heart valve - Warfarin is the only drug FDA approved for this - need INR to be 2.5 to 3.5 (need this INR level if pt has had a previous clot while taking Warfarin)
What enzymes are involved in the metabolism of Warfarin?
- CYP2C9 and CYP 1A2 - causes a large number of drug interactions - remember that this drug is also 99% protein bound so small changes can lead to changes in blood level of warfarin
Warfarin precautions/ contraindications
- patients with fall risk
- dementia
- uncontrolled HTN
- absolute contraindication: Pregnancy Category X - do not use in pregnancy
- caution in hepatic impairment
- hypermetabolic state (avoid)
- important to stay with the same brand or generic type of coumadin/warfarin
- safest in patients with kidney disease because of frequent monitoring
The effects of Warfarin may be decreased by:
a) Carbamazepine
b) Vitamin K rich foods
c) Oral contraceptives
d) all of the above
D -all of the above
What can you give if the patient taking warfarin has an seriously elevated INR?
give Vitamin K
Warfarin ADRs
- thrombocytopenia - hyperkalemia
Situations when the NP should consider decreasing the initial dose of Warfarin therapy:
- pt is older than 75 years old
- multiple comorbid conditions
- elevated liver enzymes
- changing thyroid status
Heparin MOA
- increases the action of antithrombin III (a naturally occurring antithrombotic agent) thereby inactivating thrombin and inhibiting the activity of numerous coagulating factors
- prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin
- its effect on thrombus formation is immediate
Heparin cautions/contraindications
- use caution when combining w/ conditions that may predispose to hyperkalemia
- Avoid in pregnancy
- ok with lacation
