1. Discuss the process of blood coagulation and clotting. What is the mechanism by which blood clots dissolve? Describe how antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, low-molecular-weight heparins, thrombolytic agents, antihemophilic agents, and hemostatic agents affect blood clotting.
2. Develop a table outlining the differences in nursing care for 3 patients in the following age groups: an 8-year-old, a 47-yearold, and a 76-year-old, all of whom are receiving anticoagulant therapy. What are the primary nursing considerations for using an anticoagulant in each of these age groups? What is the rationale for each nursing consideration? Be specific for each age group.
3. You are an emergency room nurse. A 72-year-old patient is 5 admitted with a coronary artery thrombosis, and urokinase is given IV. What are the most essential nursing considerations for this patient? Include the rationale for all nursing considerations.
4. Many adults and older adults use aspirin daily for 5 antiplatelet benefits. What nursing considerations are essentials when working with these patients? What teaching points are important for patients on antiplatelet therapy?
Group Assignments
1. Construct a table that summarizes the therapeutic actions, Learning Objective(s)
2 indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, the most common adverse reactions, and the important drug-drug interactions for antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, lowmolecular-weight heparins, thrombolytic agents, antihemophilic agents, and hemostatic agents.
2. Each member of the group takes one of the prototype drugs 4 aspirin, heparin, urokinase, antihemophilic factor, and aminocaproic acid. Discuss the similarities and differences among drugs in the same classifications and across classifications.