Word parts
What it means
Treatment with an anticoagulantan-tee-koh-AG-yoo-luntA drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.anti- againstcoagul/o clotting-ant an agent that doesFull entry to stop clots from forming or growing. It is used for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, mechanical heart valves and after some surgeries. Drugs include heparinHEP-uh-rinAn anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.Full entry , low-molecular-weight heparinloh muh-LEK-yoo-ler wayt HEP-uh-rinAn anticoagulant drug given by subcutaneous injection to prevent and treat blood clots.Full entry , warfarinWOR-fuh-rinAn oral anticoagulant drug that lowers the blood's ability to clot by blocking the use of vitamin K.Full entry and the newer direct oral anticoagulants such as apixaban. The main risk is bleeding.
For the nurse
Follow the lab test for the drug used (aPTT for heparin, INR for warfarin) and watch for bleeding: gums, nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine or stool, and black stools. Teach the client to use a soft toothbrush and electric razor, and to tell every provider and dentist they take an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants are on the ISMP list of high-alert medications.
Related terms
anticoagulant
A drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.
heparin
An anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.
warfarin
An oral anticoagulant drug that lowers the blood's ability to clot by blocking the use of vitamin K.
low-molecular-weight heparin
An anticoagulant drug given by subcutaneous injection to prevent and treat blood clots.
bleeding precautions
Safety steps that protect a client who bleeds easily from injury and bleeding.