Patient Education
These lab tests must be monitored regularly when taking anticoagulants.
What are PT/INR, aPTT, platelet count, H&H, and CBC?
This is the antidote for heparin.
What is protamine sulfate?
Dabigatran belongs to this class of medications.
What are direct thrombin inhibitors?
This antiplatelet is given at 81 mg for prophylaxis.
What is aspirin?
Thrombolytics end in this suffix.
What is -ase?
Patients on anticoagulants should use this type of razor.
What is an electric razor?
Heparin is monitored using this lab test.
What is aPTT?
Rivaroxaban works by inhibiting this clotting factor.
What is factor Xa?
This antiplatelet must be stopped 5–7 days before surgery.
What is clopidogrel?
This is the antidote for thrombolytics.
What is aminocaproic acid?
This common supplement and kitchen ingredient can increase bleeding risk.
What is garlic?
This vitamin is the antidote for warfarin.
What is vitamin K?
This organ system must be monitored closely with dabigatran due to drug interactions.
What are the kidneys and liver?
This syndrome makes aspirin unsafe for children.
What is Reye’s syndrome?
Thrombolytics must be given within this time window for ischemic stroke.
What is 3–4.5 hours?
Longer clotting times mean this happens more slowly.
What is stopping bleeding?
Warfarin works by inhibiting this vitamin.
What is vitamin K?
This medication is used for HIT and is given IV.
What is argatroban?
This IV antiplatelet is used during cardiac procedures and requires monitoring for hypotension.
What is abciximab?
This type of stroke is a contraindication for thrombolytics.
What is hemorrhagic stroke?
Name two herbal supplements that increase bleeding risk.
What are ginkgo biloba, ginger, glucosamine, saw palmetto, feverfew, or St. John’s Wort?
This serious complication of heparin occurs when platelets drop below 100,000.
What is HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia)?
This medication requires 18 hours before removing an epidural catheter.
What is rivaroxaban (Xarelto)?
These medications decrease the effectiveness of clopidogrel by inhibiting CYP2C19.
What are PPIs or fluoxetine/fluconazole/etc.?
This vital sign must be monitored closely due to risk of intracranial bleeding.
What is blood pressure?