Drug Class Basics
These medications interfere with the clotting cascade and help prevent clots from forming or getting larger.
Anticoagulants
This anticoagulant may be given IV or subcutaneously and is commonly monitored with aPTT or anti-Xa levels.
These newer oral anticoagulants include apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
This is the major shared risk of anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics.
Bleeding
Patients taking blood thinners should use this type of toothbrush to reduce gum bleeding.
Soft toothbrush
These medications prevent platelets from sticking together.
Antiplatelets
This is the antidote for heparin.
Protamine sulfate
Apixaban and rivaroxaban directly inhibit this clotting factor.
Factor Xa
These symptoms may indicate GI bleeding in a patient taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Black/tarry stools or vomiting blood/coffee-ground emesis
Patients taking blood thinners should use this type of razor to reduce cuts.
Electric razor
These medications break down clots that have already formed.
Thrombolytics
This low-molecular-weight heparin is commonly given subcutaneously in the abdomen.
Enoxaparin
Dabigatran directly inhibits this clotting factor.
Thrombin
This dangerous immune reaction to heparin causes a drop in platelets and increased risk of clotting.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or HIT
This teaching about vitamin K foods is correct for patients taking warfarin.
Keep Vitamin K intake consistent
This drug class is especially important for preventing platelet-rich arterial clots, such as those involved in heart attacks and strokes.
Antiplatelets
This oral anticoagulant blocks vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Warfarin
This common antiplatelet medication blocks thromboxane production and can irritate the stomach.
Aspirin
This severe symptom after thrombolytic therapy may suggest intracranial bleeding.
These medications should generally be avoided unless approved by the provider because they can increase bleeding risk.
NSAIDs
This drug class carries the highest risk for sudden, life-threatening bleeding because it dissolves existing clots.
This lab value is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
PT/INR
This antiplatelet medication is commonly used after stent placement and should not be stopped suddenly without provider direction.
Clopidogrel
This rare but serious adverse reaction may occur with warfarin.
Skin necrosis
This Clinical Judgment step involves checking whether clot symptoms improved, bleeding is absent, labs are therapeutic, and the patient understands safety teaching.
Evaluating outcomes