Patient was educated on Warfarin and its mechanism of action as follows:
- Warfarin is an anticoagulant inhibiting some proteins that help clotting.
- Warfarin inhibits Vitamin K dependent factors, II, VII, IX, and X, along the coagulation pathway.
- Warfarin helps individuals with atrial fibrillation, by preventing formation of clot and consequent stroke.
- Inhibition of clot formation also offers protection against deep venous thrombosis, consequent development of pulmonary embolism and episodes of myocardial infarction and chest pain.
- So, Warfarin is widely used in individuals undergoing hip and knee surgeries and other procedures that involve prolonged immobilization and a high risk for prolonged development of deep venous thrombosis.