Question

A patient with a pulmonary embolism is being treated with a heparin infusion. What diagnostic finding

suggests to the nurse that treatment is effective?
A) The patients PT is within reference ranges.
B) Arterial blood sampling tests positive for the presence of factor XIII.
C) The patients platelet level is below 100,000/mm3
D) The patients activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value.

Answer 1

The diagnostic finding that suggests the treatment for a pulmonary embolism is effective is an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) that is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. This indicates that heparin, the anticoagulant used in the treatment, is effectively preventing further clot formation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diagnostic finding that suggests the treatment for a patient with a pulmonary embolism is effective is D) The patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value.

aPTT is a test used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clots. If the aPTT is within the therapeutic range of 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value, it indicates that heparin is effectively preventing further clot formation.

For example, if the patient's control value is 30 seconds, a therapeutic range of 45 to 75 seconds would suggest that the heparin infusion is effective in preventing clotting.