 | |||||
Anticoagulation Clinic LeAnne Thomas, RN
Cloud County Health Center opened the Anticoagulation Clinic in August 2003. The clinic is run by LeAnne Thomas, RN and is supervised by Robyn Burwell, ARNP, and Dr. Maria Jindra. The benefit of the Anticoagulation Clinic is derived mainly by a reduction in adverse events and reduced utilization of hospital services.
Patients are placed on Coumadin/Warfarin for many conditions such as Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR), Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or Myocardial Infarction (MI). Coumadin/Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K dependent clotting factors II, VII, XI and X. Coumadin/Warfarin is known as a “blood thinner”. Therapeutic effect of Coumadin/Warfarin is assessed by measuring the Protime-PT and International Standard Ratio-INR. In the Anticoagulation Clinic, the PT/INR procedure is a fingerstick and performed by the RN. In using the CoaguChek S machine, results are complete in a couple of minutes. With the guidelines the primary physician has ordered for the patient, the RN will manage the patient’s Coumadin/Warfarin daily dose by the PT/INR results to maintain the patient’s level in therapeutic range. Patients can be on Coumadin/Warfarin for a duration of 3 months to lifetime depending on the disease process being treated. Frequent PT/INR checks are important to keep the patient’s level in therapeutic range and to avoid adverse events.
Education is vital in the Anticoagulation Clinic. It begins with the first visit and is continued at each visit. The patient is educated on Coumadin/Warfarin dosage and drug interactions (prescribed, over-the-counter, and natural), signs and symptoms to report (bleeding, bruising, or possible thromboembolic event), dietary considerations, illness, and exercise.
If you have any questions regarding the Anticoagulation Clinic, please call 243-1234 ext. 108 or your primary physician. The clinic is open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
| |||||
