PRADAXA VS. COUMADIN: JUST THE FACTS MA’AM!

The media sometimes snookers even nurses when it comes to new drugs. The fancy ads, testimonials by “doctors” on commercials and even patients can influence our opinions. However, be warned…as a new nurse, it’s so important that you first do a bit of fact finding before you buy into the latest new miracle drug.

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) seems like a wonder drug, right? It has the same effect as Warfarin (Coumadin) but without the need for weekly blood work. However, don’t throw Warfarin out the window yet! 

There are important differences between these two anti-coagulants that nurses need to understand to help patients make good decisions.

CLINICAL PRACTICE TIP FOR NEW NURSES: BIG BELLY RISK

Anytime I care for a patient with cirrhosis of the liver who is in crisis, my internal alarms go off. These patients often arrive with high ammonia levels causing confusion, extreme malnutrition, coagulation issues, and huge abdomens from ascites. Although we check their ammonia, coags and mental status, they are not the most important aspects of our assessment.

When caring for a patient with the above issues, what is the most important aspect of your nursing assessment?