Post Lab

🩸 Anticoagulants & Antiplatelet Drugs - Nursing Notes 🩸

1. What are they?

• Anticoagulants = prevent clots from forming or growing (affect clotting factors)

• Antiplatelets = stop platelets from sticking together (affect platelet aggregation)

🧪 Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

Common Drugs:

• Heparin (IV/Subcut) – fast-acting

• Enoxaparin (Clexane) – Low Molecular Weight Heparin

• Warfarin (Coumadin) – oral, long-term

• DOACs (Direct Oral Anticoagulants) – e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran

🔥 Mnemonic for Heparin & Warfarin Differences:

"HEP WAR"

• Heparin = Emergency, PTT monitoring

• Warfarin = Along-term, RINR monitoring

🩹 Monitoring Anticoagulants:

• Heparin → monitor aPTT (activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)

• Warfarin → monitor INR (International Normalized Ratio)

  • Target INR: usually 2–3

• Antidotes:

  • Heparin → Protamine sulfate

  • Warfarin → Vitamin K

🧪 Antiplatelet Drugs

Common Drugs:

• Aspirin – inhibits thromboxane A2 (irreversible)

• Clopidogrel (Plavix) – blocks ADP receptors on platelets

• Ticagrelor, Prasugrel – newer ADP inhibitors

🔥 Mnemonic for Antiplatelet Drugs:

"A Cool Plate"

• Aspirin

• Clopidogrel

• Prasugrel

• (Plate = think Platelet)

🚨 Nursing Considerations

• Watch for bleeding: gums, urine, stool, bruising, petechiae

• Fall precautions (↑ risk of bleeding)

• Soft toothbrush & electric razor

• Avoid high-risk sports or activities

• Check labs (aPTT, INR, platelet count)

• Teach patient: No NSAIDs unless doctor-approved (↑ bleeding risk)

🧠 Quick Recap Mnemonic: "CLOTT"

• Check labs (INR, aPTT)

• Look for bleeding signs

• Oral hygiene: soft toothbrush

• Teach about safety

• Tell doctor if unusual bleeding happens

📋 Summary Table: