7.1 Introduction to the Hematological System and Medications
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to
1. Define the key terms for this system, such as “anticoagulant medications”
2. Identify what type of patients would most likely benefit from anticoagulant medications
3. Describe heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and their usual measurements
4. Identify the most common LMWH medications
5. Describe the drug warfarin and the reasons why patients would take this medication
6. Identify common antiplatelet medications
7. Identify which patients would take aspirin on a routine basis
8. Define anemia and other common pathologies seen within this system
9. Identify the most common medications used to treat anemia
Chapter Overview
The hematological system consists of blood and bone marrow, and even though it is a lesser-known system, it is nonetheless very important. A thorough explanation of the system and its components will be provided to lay the foundation for the discussion of common pathologies and medications used to treat them. A basic explanation of medication categories and mechanisms of action within the body will be discussed. Common medication names, both trade and generic, will be listed to help you understand the topic. Although there are not many medication categories in this chapter, they are all important. It is imperative that you are familiar with these medications because all of them are common in the hospital and many are used in the community as well.
Attribution
Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been adapted from the following resource:
Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (Eds.). (2020). Nursing pharmacology. Chippewa Valley Technical College. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/pharmacology/, licensed under CC BY 4.0
