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Anticoagulants

Terms in this set (11)

T/F Anticoagulants do not affect existing clot, but they do prevent the formation of new clots
true
List the medication under Anticoagulants:
-heparin (unfractionated)
-Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: Enoxaparin
-Warfarin
What is the action for Heparin?
-indirectly interferes with the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin; suppressing the formation of fibrin
-works quickly, within minutes after IV administration
What are the side effects of Heparin?
-bleeding
-heparin induced thrombocytopenia
What are the nursing considerations of Heparin?
-dosage is carefully controlled based on frequent laboratory test (aPTT or Xa)
-prescribed in units
-is derived from tissue of pigs
-Antidote is Protamine sulfate
What is the action of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: Enoxaparin?
-only inactive factor Xa
-does not inactivate thrombin
-has longer half-life so plasma levels are predictable: no lab test monitoring needed
What is the side effect of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: Enoxaparin?
bleeding (less risk compared to heparin)
What are the nursing considerations of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: Enoxaparin?
-dosage based on weight
-can be used at home; teach patient signs and symptoms that indicate bleeding
-ensure proper administration
-Antidote is Protamine sulfate
What is the action of warfarin?
-vitamin K antagonist
-suppresses coagulation by decreasing production of vitamin K dependent clotting factors
-takes several days to be effective
What are the side effects of warfarin?
-bleeding/hemorrhage
-risk increases as INR increases
What are nursing considerations of warfarin?
-INR values are used to determine if dosage is therapeutic (goal is usually INR of 2-3)
-pt should wear medical alert bracelet
-Antidote is Vitamin K
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