A nursing student asks why the anticoagulant heparin is given to patients who have disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and are at risk for excessive bleeding. The nurse will explain that heparin is used in this case for which reason?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heparin is given to patients with DIC to decrease the risk of venous thrombosis. DIC causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels throughout the body, using up clotting factors and platelets. This can lead to bleeding, and heparin helps to prevent further clotting and decrease the risk of venous thrombosis. Heparin does not dissolve clots as they form or enhance the formation of fibrous clots. It may temporarily preserve platelet function, but this is not the primary reason for its use in DIC.

A Nursing Student Asks Why the Anticoagulant Heparin Is Given