Sometimes Less is Better

By Angela Wisniewski, Thuy N. Nguyen, David Newberger

Abstract

“Ed Cramer” is a 47-year-old mechanical engineer who is being treated for venous thromboembolism. He was 45 when he first developed a blood clot in the lower part of his left leg and had to be hospitalized for five days. A year later, he developed a second blood clot, which almost killed him. This case study explores the physiology and treatment of venous thromboembolism, a condition which kills 60,000 people each year in the United States. The case was developed for use in graduate-level courses in medicine and pharmacy.

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Date Posted

08/16/2004

Overview

Objectives

To review the physiology and pathophysiology of the coagulation cascade.
To be introduced to contemporary developments in the treatment of venous thromboembolism.
To gain an appreciation of the statistical methodology employed, as well as analyzing in-depth the tables and charts provided in the article.
To conduct a thorough critical appraisal of an article in the current medical literature.
To apply knowledge gained and conclusions from the current medical literature to treatment decisions in a specific patient case.

Keywords

Venous thromboembolism; anticoagulation; coagulation cascade; Virchow's Triad; warfarin therapy

Subject Headings

Medicine (General)

Pharmacy / Pharmacology

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Graduate, Professional (degree program), Clinical education, Continuing education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Journal Article, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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