The Anti-Coagulants
The anticoagulants interfere with the coagulation process by interfering with the clotting cascade and thrombin formation. These agents are used to inhibit clot formation, but they do NOT dissolve existing clots. The Anticoagulants commonly used are: Heparin Warfarin (Coumadin) Dicumarol
Heparins
These are anticoagulants given orally or parenterally- SQ and IV. Heparin is naturally found in the human liver that normally prevents clot formation. Heparin is strongly acidic because of the presence of sulfate and carboxylic acid groups in the heparin chain.
Heparin
The mechanism of action of Heparin Heparin (Liquamen Sodium) acts prophylactically to prevent the formation of blood clots in the vasculature. It combines with ANTITHROMBIN III, a substance in our blood sometimes called heparin factor that inactivates THROMBIN. By inhibiting the action of thrombin, conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin does not occur and the formation of a fibrin clot is prevented.
Heparins
Clinical Indications of Heparins deep vein thrombosis pulmonary embolism coronary thrombosis, patients with artificial heart valves and stroke patients
Heparins
Contraindications of heparin Anticoagulants are not given to patients with bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers and patients who underwent recent eye/brain/spinal surgery. It is NOT given to patients with severe liver and renal disease, hemophilia, and CVA. Heparin is a large protein molecule that cannot pass through the placenta easily and can be given to pregnant women.
Heparins
Pharmacokinetics: the Adverse Effects of Heparin INCREASES the clotting time and also DECREASES the platelet count. In this regard, monitoring of the aPTT/PTT (N= 20-30 seconds) and platelet count is required. Hematologic effects: increased bleeding, thrombocytopenia Skin-itching and burning Hypersensitivity reactions like chills, fever, urticaria or anaphylaxis can occur since heparin is obtained from animal sources. Life threatening adverse effect is Hemorrhage
Heparins
The Nursing process and Heparin Assessment Patient history Physical examination- the nurse obtains baseline vital signs and physical assessment. She must obtain laboratory results of the complete blood count, platelet count and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and clotting time.
Heparins
IMPLEMENTATION:
Monitor the aPTT closely (it should be 1.5-2.5 times normal value) Monitor vital signs and hematological status regularly. Monitor signs of bleedinghematuria, epistaxis, ecchymoses, Hypotension and occult blood in stool Have available ANTIDOTE for heparin- PROTAMIME SULFATE
Heparins
IMPLEMENTATION: Instruct the client not to use any over the counter drug without notifying the physician Administer heparin subcutaneously in the abdominal region, using a 25-28-gauge needle at a 90-degree angle. DO NOT MASSAGE OR RUB THE AREA as this may cause bruising. Advise patient not to smoke, use electric razors to shave, use soft toothbrush and control sudden hemorrhage by direct pressure for 5-10 minutes. Provide gently skin and oral care.
Heparins
Evaluation Monitor the effectiveness of the medication: Decreased formation of clot PTT is 2x the normal
Pharmacokinetics:
Oral anticoagulants prolong the clotting time and are monitored by the Prothrombine Time (PT- average of 9-12 seconds). This is usually performed before administering the next dose. The PT level should be 1.5-2 times the reference value to be therapeutic. The normal International Normalized Ratio(INR) is 1-2. If the patient is on oral anticoagulant therapy, the INR is maintained at an INR of 2.0-3.0. If the INR is below the recommended range, warfarin is increased. If it is above the recommended range, warfarin should be
Assessment Patient history-. The nurse determines the current medications taken, PREGNANCY, and history of recent surgery. Physical examination- the nurse obtains baseline vital signs and physical assessment. laboratory results of the complete blood count, platelet count and Prothrombin time, INR and clotting time.
Anti-platelets
These are agents decrease the formation of the platelet plug by decreasing the responsiveness of the platelets to various stimuli that would cause them to stick and combine together on a vessel wall
Aspirin Dipyridamole Sulfinpyrazone Ticlopidine Clopidogrel Glycoprotein receptor antagonists
Abciximab Eptifibatide Tirofiban
Anti-platelets
The mechanism of action of platelet inhibitors These agents INHIBIT the aggregation of platelets in the clotting process by blocking receptor sites on the platelet membrane, preventing platelet-to-platelet interaction, thereby prolonging the bleeding time.
Anti-platelets
Clinical indications Prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke Prevention of a repeat myocardial infarction Prevention of stroke for those with transient ischemic attack In patients with graft to maintain its patency.
Anti-platelets
Pharmacodynamics: the adverse effects of Antiplatelets Bleeding is the most common side effect GIT- gum bleeding, gastric bleeding, tarry stools CNS- headache, dizziness and weakness Skin- petechiae, bruising, allergy ASPIRIN toxicity: tinnitus
Anti-platelets
Nursing considerations Determine if the patient is allergic or sensitive to the medications Monitor closely the vital signs and bleeding areas Instruct the patient to take drug with food Monitor the bleeding time, clotting time and platelet count
Anti-platelets
Nursing considerations Suggest safety measures including the use of an electric razor and avoidance of contact sports. Provide increased precautions against bleeding during invasive procedures. Use pressure dressings and ice to decrease excessive blood loss. Monitor for tinnitus
The Thrombolytics
These thrombolytic agents are used to activate the natural anticlotting fibrinolytic mechanism to convert plasminogen to plasmin, which destroys and breaks down the fibrin threads in the blood clot (FIBRINOLYSIS). The result is clot disintegration. The commonly used thrombolytics ---ase Streptokinase Urokinase Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) or alteplase Anistreplase Reteplase
The Thrombolytics
The mechanisms of actions of each agent Streptokinase and urokinase are ENZYMES that act SYSTEMICALLY to dissolve the blood clots by activating plasminogen to plasmin.
The Thrombolytics
Clinical indications of thrombolytics Myocardial infarction Pulmonary embolism Thromboemboilic stroke Peripheral arterial thrombosis and to open clotted IV catheters.
The Thrombolytics
Pharmacokinetics: The adverse effects of Streptokinase CVS- Hypotension and dysrhythmias (usually upon reperfusion of the heart) Hematological: increased bleedingthe most common effect. Headache, nausea, flush, rash and fever Allergic reaction- especially steptokinase and urokinase Major adverse effect- hemorrhage.
The Thrombolytics
Implementation. Monitor signs of active bleeding from mouth and rectum bleeding- hematuria, epistaxis, echymoses Have available ANTIDOTE for thrombolytics: AMINOCAPROIC ACID! Have available blood for emergency use. Advise patient not to smoke, use electric razors to shave, use soft toothbrush and control sudden hemorrhage by direct pressure for 5-10 minutes. Provide gently skin and oral care. As much as possible, avoid frequent venipuncture.
The Thrombolytics
Evaluation Monitor the effectiveness of the medication
Clot lysis
Anti-Anemics
Implementation Encourage the patient to eat iron-rich foods like liver, lean meat, egg yolk, dried beans, green leafy vegetables. Administer iron preparations orally with foods to decrease GI discomfort. If increased absorption is necessary, administer IN BETWEEN meals with full glass of water or juice. It is best to offer citrus juices because the vitamin C content can increase iron absorption. Instruct the patient to swallow the whole tablet and remain upright for 30 minutes to prevent esophageal corrosion from reflux. DO NOT administer iron together with or within 1 hour of ingesting tetracyclines, antacids, milk and milk-containing products. Advise clients to increase fluid intake and consume
Erythropoietin
The mechanism of action of epoetin alfa (Epogen) This drug acts like the natural glycoprotein erythropoietin to stimulate the production of RBC in the bone marrow.
Erythropoietin
Clinical indications It is given SUBCUTANEOUSLY or INTRAVENOUSLY for the treatment of anemia associated with renal failure or for patients on dialysis. It is also used in patients for blood transfusion to decrease the need for blood in surgical patients.
Erythropoietin
Pharmacodynamics: the adverse effects of epoetin alfa CNS- headache, fatigue, asthenia, dizziness and seizures- these are due to the cellular response to the glycoprotein. GIT- nausea, vomiting and diarrhea CVS- hypertension, edema and chest pain due to increase RBC number