💉 Heparin vs Warfarin: NCLEX Pharmacology Comparison You Need to Know

Anticoagulants like Heparin and Warfarin are common in real-world care—and heavily tested on the NCLEX. You’ll need to know how they work, how to monitor their effectiveness, and how to teach patients about their risks.

This visual-first KOTC breakdown makes it easy to remember every detail.

💊 Comparison Table: Heparin vs Warfarin

Feature	Heparin	Warfarin
Route	IV or SubQ	Oral (PO)
Onset	Immediate	24–72 hours
Duration	Short	Long
Monitoring	aPTT (60–80 sec therapeutic)	INR (2.0–3.0 therapeutic)
Antidote	Protamine sulfate	Vitamin K
Pregnancy Safe?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Common Uses	DVT, PE, acute MI	A-fib, valve replacement, long-term anticoagulation

🩺 NCLEX Clinical Tips

• Monitor aPTT every 6 hours when starting Heparin

• Double-check all doses: Both are high-alert meds

• Use soft toothbrushes and electric razors

• Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, and high-risk supplements (e.g., ginkgo, garlic)

• Hold Warfarin if INR >4 or bleeding signs occur

🧠 NCLEX-Style Question

A patient on warfarin has an INR of 4.2 and reports bruising. What is the nurse’s next action?

✅ Answer: Hold the dose and notify the provider. Prepare to administer Vitamin K.

💡 Mnemonic: “Heparin H.I.T. vs Warfarin W.K.”

Heparin = H.I.T.

• H – Heparin

• I – IV/SubQ

• T – aPTT & Thrombocytopenia risk

Warfarin = W.K.

• W – Warfarin

• K – Affected by Vitamin K (antidote & dietary restriction)

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Explore more in the StudyScience section.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Heparin and Warfarin are NCLEX staples for a reason: they require careful monitoring and carry major safety considerations. With this visual and blog, you’ll never mix them up again.

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