Heparins
Heparins ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is educating a client who is prescribed low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for home use. The client asks, “What is the difference between LMWH and regular heparin?” What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
LMWH has a more specific action on the clotting factors and less effect on platelets, which reduces the risk of bleeding complications.
LMWH has a more predictable and consistent effect than regular heparin, which means that the dose does not need to be adjusted based on blood tests. Regular heparin requires frequent monitoring of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to ensure therapeutic levels.
LMWH has a longer half-life and a higher bioavailability than regular heparin, which means that it works more reliably and lasts longer in the body. Regular heparin has a variable response and can be affected by factors such as age, weight, and renal function.
Therefore, the nurse should explain to the client that LMWH is a safer and more convenient option than regular heparin for home use.
No explanation
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a type of anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clots.
LMWH has several advantages over regular heparin, such as:
• LMWH has a lower risk of bleeding than regular heparin. LMWH has a more specific action on the clotting factors and less effect on platelets, which reduces the risk of bleeding complications.
• LMWH does not require frequent blood tests like regular heparin. LMWH has a more predictable and consistent effect than regular heparin, which means that the dose does not need to be adjusted based on blood tests. Regular heparin requires frequent monitoring of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to ensure therapeutic levels.
• LMWH has a more predictable effect than regular heparin. LMWH has a longer half-life and a higher bioavailability than regular heparin, which means that it works more reliably and lasts longer in the body. Regular heparin has a variable response and can be affected by factors such as age, weight, and renal function.
Therefore, the nurse should explain to the client that LMWH is a safer and more convenient option than regular heparin for home use.