Clotting Cascade Anticoagulants Cheatsheet

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about the clotting cascade and anticoagulants, specifically thrombin inhibitors. Thrombin inhibitors are crucial for clot prevention, working by altering platelet function and inactivating thrombin. There are two types: direct inhibitors, like Bivalirudin, Argatroban, Desirudin, and Dabigatran, and indirect inhibitors, including Heparin and Enoxaparin​​​​​​. These anticoagulants are indicated for conditions such as DVT/PE prophylaxis, atrial fibrillation, acute coronary syndrome, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia​​. However, they are contraindicated in cases of recent trauma, active internal bleeding, bleeding disorders, intracranial hemorrhage, severe hypertension, liver failure, and kidney failure​​. Common side effects include bleeding (localized or systemic), changes in urine color, black or bloody stool, severe headaches or stomach pain, joint pain, hemoptysis, hematemesis, and bruising​​.