Heparin

Question 1

Heparin - Type

Answer 1

Unfractioned heparin anticoagulant

Question 2

Heparin - Presentation

Answer 2

5000u heparin in 1 ml

Question 3

Heparin - Actions (3)

Answer 3

1. Inhibits blood clotting
2. Combines with antithrombin III, a naturally occurring anti-clotting factor in plasma, and inhibits the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
3. Also interferes with the actions of other clotting factors with fibrin stabilising factor

Question 4

Heparin - Use

Answer 4

Pts with an acute STEMI who meet the requirements for early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure

Question 5

Heparin - Adverse effects (3)

Answer 5

1. Bleeding
2. Thrombocytopenia
3. Anaphylactoid reactions (rare)

Question 6

Heparin - Contraindications

Answer 6

Refer to STEMI checklist

Question 7

Heparin - Precaution

Answer 7

Care in pts with extensive history of allergies

Question 8

Heparin - Dose

Answer 8

Adult - 5000u IV over 30-60 sec

Question 9

Heparin - Special note

Answer 9

This treatment shouldn’t delay time to transport