Question

Т.М., a 57-year-old man, has thrombophlebitis in the right lower leg. IV heparin, 5000 units by bolus, was given. Following the IV bolus, heparin 5000 units given subQ q6h was prescribed. Other therapeutic means to decrease pain and alleviate swelling and redness were also prescribed. 1. How does heparin work and why was it prescribed? 2. What laboratory test(s) would be monitored for patients taking heparin? Explain your answer. 3. Explain the differences between heparin and enoxaparin. Are there advantages to either of these anticoagulants?

Answer 1

ANSWERS :

1. Heparin works in the body by inactivating of thrombin in the blood which leads to clotting in the body. It stops the fibrin formation in blood and prevents formation of blood clots inside the blood vessels. Heparin is prescribed mainly for treating the people with presence of blood clots in the blood vessels.

2. The patients who are taking Heparin laboratory tests are performed to identify the dose of heparin and its effect in the medicated dosages. The tests performed are Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT).

3. The differences in heparin and enoxaparin are heparin is called unfractionated heparin, on the other hand enoxaparin is called as low molecular weight heparin which is made out of heparin. Both of them are anti coagulants which are used to prevent blood clots and also use for treating of pulmonary embolism.