Final answer:
The question involves determining the appropriate adjustment for a heparin infusion based on a patient's aPTT result using a sliding scale. Without the specific scale, a general guidance is that if the aPTT is below the target range, an increase in the heparin infusion rate might be indicated. The exact adjustment should be made according to the specific protocol which is not provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question revolves around adjusting a heparin drip based on a patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). In this scenario, the patient weighs 59 kg and the heparin is infusing at a rate of 18 u/kg/hr, equating to 1062 units/hr. The goal is to determine the appropriate action based on a new aPTT result of 44 seconds and utilizing a specified heparin rate adjustment sliding scale.
In a clinical setting, a heparin protocol or sliding scale is utilized to guide adjustments to the heparin infusion rate based on the patient's aPTT value. The sliding scale is a protocol-specific tool, and without knowing the exact parameters of this protocol, we cannot provide a specific action. However, generally, if the aPTT is within a target range (often around 60-80 seconds which may vary based on institutional protocol), the heparin infusion rate might be kept the same. If the aPTT is below the target range, the protocol may call for an increase in the heparin infusion rate.
Given that the aPTT of 44 seconds is likely below the target range, the provider may consider increasing the heparin infusion rate as per their specific protocol. The specific adjustment would typically be calculated by referring to the heparin rate adjustment sliding scale provided by the treating institution.