Question

Patient Teaching: Anticoagulants

Sandra is a 27-year-old female admitted with a possible Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). She smokes one pack per day and is on birth control. She has a history of hypertension and obesity. She is admitted to the hospital and placed on bedrest. Heparin drip is started per protocol. The Provider is anticipating on sending her home with Coumadin.Can Sandra be placed on Coumadin and Heparin at the same time? Explain your answer.Develop 3 teaching points important for Sandra to know about her medications regimen.What questions would you ask Sandra to verify that she understand the 3 teaching points?

Direction:Read scholarly article and summarize patient teaching about anticoagulants in 5 to 6 sentences.Do NOT answer directly to questions.

Answer 1

1). Can Sandra be placed on Coumadin and Heparin at the same time?

Yes, because she was diagnosed with DVT. Heparin can produce immediate anti-coagulant effects, but coumadin takes a few days to develop the actual therapeutic response. So, coumadin is included in therapy about 5-6 days prior to discontinuing heparin.

2). Teaching points for Sara:

• Must not rub the teeth during brushing as it can cause bleeding gums, a smooth brush must be used
• High-risk sports must be avoided
• Electrical trimmer must be used for shaving purpose
• Full clothes and appropriate protective must be maintained to avoid cuts on the body