INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEPARIN AND TPA ( THROMBOLYTIC PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR)

In the image above, a new nurse seeks information
about Heparin, an anticoagulant drug.

Heparin is an anticoagulant drug. It is used to
prevent clot formation in conditions such as 
Atrial fibrillation and DVT ( deep vein thrombosis).
Learn more about :Heparin Therapy

Heparin is given IV or SQ, but never via the intra-
muscular route. Side effects of anticoagulant therapy
include: bleeding of gums, hematuria, bleeding from IV
and dressing sites. Protamine Sulfate is the drug used to

counteract the action of Heparin.

A patient on Anticoagulation Therapy may experience 
bleeding of the gums, at dressing sites, in the urine, or
at IV sites. It is important for the nurse to assess and 
document any bleeding.

Poor circulation may occur for a number of reasons.
Any obstruction to the flow of blood may lead to conditions
such as stroke, heart failure, and or renal failure .The 
diabetic patient is also at risk.

Learn more about : ARDS, DVT and PE

What is a stroke?

A stroke is also known as a brain attack.

Identifying strokes and treatment

A stroke may be hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) or
ischemic (embolic) caused by a clot or plaque in a blood
vessel. 

Bleeding ( hemorrhagic) into the brain may be caused
by trauma or rupture of a blood vessel due to high
blood pressure. ICP monitoring may be necessary for 
the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke.

In the case of an embolic stroke, a blood clot may
obstruct the flow of blood in the brain. This will also
affect oxygen to the brain.

Embolic strokes are usually treated with drugs such
as TPA ( Tissue Plasminogenic Activator). Antihypertensive
drugs and anti- seizure medications may also be ordered.

Reperfusion Therapy and its uses

Reperfusion Therapy is a form of treatment that
is used for patients who have a myocardial infarction

(MI) with STEMI. Typically, the patient with a
completely blocked coronary artery, would
demonstrate STEMI on the EKG.

TPA ( Thrombolytic Plasminogen Activator)
is not only used for reperfusion in patients
who had a myocardial infarction, it is also
used in the treatment of embolic strokes.