Page 1766 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

CHAPTER 53

Cardiovascular Medications

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Priority Concepts
Clotting; Perfusion

I. Anticoagulants (Box 53-1)
A. Description
1. Anticoagulants prevent the extension and formation of
clots by inhibiting factors in the clotting cascade and
decreasing blood coagulability.

2. Anticoagulants are administered when there is

evidence of or likelihood of clot formation—
myocardial infarction, unstable angina, atrial
fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary
embolism, and the presence of mechanical heart
valves.

3. Anticoagulants are contraindicated with active

bleeding (except for disseminated intravascular
coagulation), bleeding disorders or blood dyscrasias,
ulcers, liver and kidney disease, and hemorrhagic
brain injuries (Box 53-2).
B. Side and adverse effects

1. Hemorrhage

2. Hematuria
3. Epistaxis
4. Ecchymosis
5. Bleeding gums
6. Thrombocytopenia
7. Hypotension
C. Heparin sodium
1. Description
a. Heparin prevents thrombin from
converting fibrinogen to fibrin.
b. Heparin prevents thromboembolism.

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