Etymed
anticoagulation
Definition
The process of preventing or reducing blood clotting
Clinical context
A 65-year-old male presents to the emergency department with acute onset left leg swelling and pain. His medical history includes atrial fibrillation and a previous deep vein thrombosis. The physician orders anticoagulation therapy to prevent further clot formation. A 55-year-old female with mechanical heart valves requires long-term anticoagulation management to prevent thromboembolic complications.
Mnemonic
ANTICOAGULATION = AVOID NERVE TRAUMA, INHIBIT CLotTING, and ORGANIZE BLOOD FLOW