Oral Anticoagulants and IV Heparin in the Management of Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to oral anticoagulants, IV heparin, and their role in managing atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolism.

Atrial Fibrillation

A total disorganization of atrial electrical activity, leading to loss of effective atrial contraction and is the most common type of dysrhythmia.

Ectopic Foci

Multiple abnormal electrical impulses in the atria that result in disorganized atrial electrical activity.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage of pulmonary arteries by a thrombus, fat, air embolus, or tumor tissue.

Hemodynamic Instability

A condition where the heart is unable to maintain adequate blood pressure and blood flow.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains there.

Cardioversion

A medical procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of abnormal heartbeats.

Anticoagulant Therapy

The use of medications that help prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

An oral anticoagulant medication used for long-term prevention of thrombosis and thromboembolism.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

A class of anticoagulants that are more predictable in their effects and associated with fewer bleeding complications than unfractionated heparin.

Factor Xa Inhibitors

Medications that inhibit factor Xa, leading to rapid anticoagulation; examples include Rivoraxaban and Apixaban.

Thromboxane

A substance that causes platelets to clump together and increases blood clotting.

Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood.

Diagnostic Tests for A Fib

Include physical exam, ECG, echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and blood tests.

Symptoms of PE

Common symptoms include dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis, tachypnea, and anxiety.

Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation

Include hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and excessive alcohol use.

Complications of A Fib

Can result in thrombus formation and increased risk for ischemic stroke.

Thrombin Inhibitors

Classes of anticoagulants that prevent thrombin from converting fibrinogen into fibrin.

Antidote for Heparin

Protamine is the antidote used to reverse the effects of unfractionated heparin.

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

The formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the legs.

INR (International Normalized Ratio)

A measure of blood coagulation used to monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy, particularly warfarin.

Ablation

A minimally invasive procedure used to destroy the tissue causing abnormal heart rhythms.

Oxygen Therapy

The administration of oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body.

Nursing Management for VTE

Includes monitoring vital signs, assessing for signs of bleeding and hypoxia, and patient education on anticoagulant therapy.