This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different durations of a specific pressure applied after blood collection on the development of ecchymosis in geriatric patients using oral and subcutaneous anticoagulants.

The research sample consisted of patients hospitalized in the Geriatrics Clinic of a city hospital. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different durations of a specific pressure applied after blood collection on the development of ecchymosis in geriatric patients using oral and subcutaneous anticoagulants. In this study, whether ecchymosis developed at the 24th, 48th and 72nd hours after the blood collection procedure was evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients aged 65 years and over
• who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study
• who used oral (Rivaroxaban 10-15-20 mg, Dabigatran, 75-110-150 mg, Apixaban 2.5-5 mg) and subcutaneous (Enoxaparin sodium 6000-4000 anti-Xa IU/0.6-0.4 ml) anticoagulants
• who were literate in Turkish
• who were scheduled for blood collection
• who would undergo blood collection from the antecubital site with vacutainer

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with communication problems
• patients with hematoma, ecchymosis, and scarring in the antecubital site
• patients who would be discharged before 72 hours
• patients with coagulation disorders