K.N.O.W. Home Health - ANTI COAGULANTS/ ANTI PLATELET

Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets: What You Need to Know

What Are They?
Anticoagulants (like Warfarin, Heparin, and DOACs) and antiplatelets (like Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Ticagrelor) are medicines that help stop blood clots. They keep your blood from getting too thick. This helps prevent problems like strokes or heart attacks.

Important: These medicines can make you bleed more easily. You must watch for signs of bleeding and tell your nurse or doctor right away.

What You Should Do

Never ignore bleeding or bruises, even if they seem small.
Tell your home health care nurse right away if you notice anything unusual.
Don’t wait until symptoms get worse—early action can stop big problems.

Watch Out For These Signs — Call Your Nurse if You See:

Easy bruises or big bruises
Small nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
A small cut or wound that keeps bleeding
Black or dark sticky poop (this might mean bleeding inside)
Blood in your pee (it may look pink or red)
Low blood pressure
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Feeling tired or weak more than usual
Looking pale or very tired

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room If You Have:

Throwing up blood or stuff that looks like coffee grounds
Trouble breathing suddenly or very bad shortness of breath
Blood pressure very low (below 90/60)
Fainting or passing out
Extreme tiredness that stops you from doing things
A bleeding cut that won’t stop after 10 minutes of pressing on it
Feeling confused or very mixed up
Lots of blood in your poop or pee
Nosebleed or bleeding gums that won’t stop
Sudden very bad weakness or numbness
If you get a hard hit on your head and you fall, get checked right away

Important Notes

Antiplatelet medicines can increase the chance of having a bleeding stroke. Call 911 if you have signs of a stroke (like weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or face drooping).
If you fall and hit your head, tell your nurse or doctor to check you for bleeding in your brain.

Summary:

If you take these medicines, tell your nurse at the first sign of bleeding. Mild problems need quick reports to your nurse. Serious problems need an ambulance or ER right away.

True or False — Circle True or False for Each Statement:

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle TRUE if it is correct or FALSE if it is wrong. Correct any false statements in the space below.

True or False: Anticoagulants help stop blood clots but can cause bleeding.
True or False: You should wait a few days before telling your nurse about small bruises.
True or False: Black, tarry stools can be a sign of bleeding inside your body.
True or False: If you have a small nosebleed, you should call your home health nurse right away.
True or False: Vomiting blood means you should go to the emergency room immediately.
True or False: Feeling very tired or weak more than usual can be a sign of bleeding.
True or False: If a bleeding cut does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure, call 911.
True or False: Antiplatelet medicines never increase the risk of stroke.
True or False: If you fall and hit your head while on these medicines, you should get checked by a doctor.
True or False: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is a normal side effect and does not need to be reported.

Questions to Ask Patients or Caregivers

What medicines are you taking to prevent blood clots?
Do you know why you are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets?
Have you noticed any bruises, bleeding, or unusual tiredness recently?
Do you know who to call if you see any signs of bleeding?
When was your last blood test to check your medicine levels? (For example, INR for Warfarin)
Have you had any falls or hits to your head lately?
Do you understand which symptoms need a call to your nurse and which need a trip to the emergency room?
Have you been told to avoid certain foods or medications while on these medicines?
How do you apply pressure if you start bleeding from a cut?
Are you able to get help quickly if you need emergency care?

Answer Key with Explanations

True — These medicines help stop clots but can make you bleed more.
False — You should tell your nurse right away, even if bruises are small.
True — Black, tarry stools can mean bleeding inside your stomach or intestines.
True — Even small nosebleeds should be reported to your nurse.
True — Vomiting blood is an emergency and you should get medical help immediately.
True — Feeling very tired or weak can be a sign of bleeding or anemia.
True — If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure, call 911.
False — Antiplatelet medicines can increase the risk of bleeding strokes.
True — Head injuries while on these medicines need medical evaluation.
False — Dizziness or lightheadedness should be reported to your nurse right away.