Heparin vs Warfarin: Nclex Question  

💊 Heparin vs Warfarin: A Nurse’s Guide**
*Heparin:*
🔹 *Type:* Anticoagulant
🔹 *Administration:* IV or subcutaneous
🔹 *Onset:* Immediate (IV), 20-60 min (subcut)
🔹 *Monitoring:* aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time)
🔹 *Use:* Acute management (e.g., DVT, PE)
🔹 *Reversal Agent:* Protamine sulfate
*Warfarin:*
🔹 *Type:* Anticoagulant
🔹 *Administration:* Oral
🔹 *Onset:* 24-72 hours, full effect in 5-7 days
🔹 *Monitoring:* INR (international normalized ratio)
🔹 *Use:* Long-term management (e.g., atrial fibrillation, prosthetic heart valves)
🔹 *Reversal Agent:* Vitamin K, FFP (fresh frozen plasma)
🔸 *Key Differences:* Heparin acts quickly and is used for immediate anticoagulation, while Warfarin is for long-term anticoagulation and takes longer to reach its full effect.
📌 *Tip:* Always monitor coagulation levels and be aware of the specific antidotes for each medication.
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