Pharmacologic agents are welcome therapeutic weapons in the fight to conserve blood. The goals of drug therapy cross a broad spectrum of potential areas. Blood-conserving Pharmacologic agents are aimed at 1) increasing blood production, 2) decreasing blood loss during active bleeding, and 3) preventing the breakdown of the formad fibrin clots. In this article, the author reviews the mechanisms of action, dosing, and adverse affects of these agents. The role of pharmacologic agents in blood conservation is significant because these agents have been shown to decrease transfusion requirements and provide significant cost savings
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©1996 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
1996
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