In: Nursing
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.
Teach Back is a great way to find out about patient teaching
effectiveness. Watch the following video for an example of Teach
Back
What questions would you ask Sandra to verify that she understand the 3 teaching points?
Can Sandra be placed on Coumadin and Heparin at the same time?
Patient teaching
1. Warfarin should be taken exactly as directed -
Do not increase, decrease, or change the dose unless told to do so by a healthcare provider. If a dose is missed or forgotten, call the prescribing clinician for advice. Don’t start new medications, herbals, or supplements without talking to your healthcare provider.
2. Warfarin Interacts With Alcohol and With Certain Foods -
?Patients undergoing warfarin therapy should avoid drinking alcohol on a daily basis.The antiplatelet effect of alcohol increases the risk of major bleeding, even if the INR remains within the target range.
Eating an increased amount of foods rich in vitamin K can lower the PT and INR, making warfarin less effective and potentially increasing the risk of blood clots. Patients who take warfarin should aim to eat a relatively similar amount of vitamin K each week. The highest amount of vitamin K is found in green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and spinach.
3. Reduce the risk of bleeding
There is a tendency to bleed more easily than usual while taking warfarin. simple precautions can avoid risk of bleeding such as -
Teach back questions