Show:
Drug Basics
Drug Uses
Drug Actions
Side Effects
Nursing Implications/Pt Education
100

Heparin is what type of drug?

Anticoagulant 

100

Why is heparin given even before clots form?

Prophylactic use; stops formation of new clots 

100

What does heparin bind with to inactivate antithrombin III?I

Clotting factors

100

What is a patient MOST at risk for while on heparin?

Bleeding!

100

What is the critical lab value that must be monitored while a patient is on heparin?

aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
200

What does blood deliver in the body?I

O2 and nutrients 
200
Why would heparin be administered during pregnancy?

Blood is hypercoaguable during pregnancy; increases risk for clots 

200

What does antithrombin III inhibit the production of?

Thrombin

200
What does Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) cause?

A decrease in platelet count

200

If a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to Heparin, what is administered as the reversal agent?

Protamine Sulfate

300

What do anticoagulants do?

Prevent clot formation 

300

What type of clots does heparin help prevent from forming?

PE/DVT

300

What different routes can heparin be given through?

IV or SubQ

300

What signs and symptoms should a patient watch for that indicate an allergic reaction?

Mild skin rash, itching, anaphylaxis

300

What are some lifestyle modifications that patients taking Heparin should consider?

Limiting alcohol intake, regular exercise, smoking cessation, fall prevention strategies

400

What is the primary purpose of heparin therapy?

Prevention and treatment of clots 

400

What would be the frequency/route for 5000 units of Heparin?

SubQ, q12 hr
400

What factors does antithrombin III inactivate?

Factors II and X

400

What should patients do if they are experiencing adverse or unusual effects while on heparin?

Contact their healthcare provider IMMEDIATELY!

400

DAILY DOUBLE!!!

What does aPTT measure? Bonus points if you know the normal range!

How long it takes for your blood to form a clot. Normal range: 25-40 seconds 

500

What diseases do anticoagulants help with?

Afib, PE/DVT, CVA, MI, atherosclerosis, clotting disorders, valve/vessel stenosis

500

What type of heparin IV infusion would be in units/kg/hr?

Continuous

500

Antithrombin III prevents formation and production of what two things? 

Thrombus and fibrin

500
What signs and symptoms of bleeding should a patient watch for while on Heparin?

Black or tarry stools, excessive bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, unusual bruising

500

What can patients do to minimize the risk for bleeding and bruising while on Heparin?

Use a soft bristle toothbrush, using an electric razor, watching for area rugs in home (fall prevention)