Pharmacology for Nurses

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Prothrombin time (PT)

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Pharmacology for Nurses

Definition

Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot. It is used to monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. PT is often measured in seconds and compared to a normal range.
  2. A prolonged PT can indicate a higher risk of bleeding.
  3. Warfarin therapy aims to prolong PT to prevent clot formation without causing excessive bleeding.
  4. International Normalized Ratio (INR) is derived from PT and standardizes results across different labs.
  5. Liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, and certain medications can affect PT results.

Review Questions

  • What does a prolonged prothrombin time indicate?
  • How is the International Normalized Ratio (INR) related to prothrombin time?
  • Why is PT important for patients on warfarin?

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