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NCLEX Anticoagulants Made Simple: The Brick And Mortar Concept
Manage episode 518166870 series 3700394
Episode Notes
Platelets are the bricks; fibrin (clotting factors) is the mortar — together, they form a clot.
Antiplatelets like Aspirin and Plavix stop platelets from sticking together (affect the bricks).
Anticoagulants like Heparin and Warfarin slow or block clotting factors (affect the mortar).
Heparin: rapid IV/SQ action, monitor aPTT (45–80 sec), antidote = protamine sulfate.
Warfarin: slow oral action, monitor INR (2–3), antidote = vitamin K or Kcentra.
Bleeding precautions: soft toothbrush, electric razor, no IM injections, fall precautions.
hit syndrome: platelet drop with heparin—monitor closely.
Nclex focus: select-all-that-apply questions on bleeding precautions, therapeutic ranges, and antidotes.
Teaching tip: Vitamin K–rich foods lower INR — consistency is key.
Safe practice = understanding both sides of clotting: what builds it and what breaks it down.
Need to reach out? Send an email to Brooke at [email protected]
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