heparin HIGH ALERT
AnticoagulantWhat it's for
VTE prophylaxis/treatment, ACS
Nursing considerations
- Drips titrate to aPTT/anti-Xa per protocol — exactly, on time
- Platelet drop ≥50% = think HIT, hold ALL heparin including flushes
- Antidote: protamine sulfate
Key side effects
📈 Watch
aPTT/anti-Xa, platelets, bleeding signs
Source: Generic names only, per NCSBN convention. Primary sources: Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 11th ed.; Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses. Educational reference — verify every medication decision against your facility's formulary, pharmacy, and the prescriber. Doses shown are typical adult references, not recommendations.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.
