Question

Prior to adjusting a pts continuous heparin infusion the nurse should what?

A. Administer a bolus dose of heparin to ensure therapeutic levels.
B. Check the patient's platelet count.
C. Assess the patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
D. Discontinue the heparin infusion immediately.

Answer 1

Before adjusting a continuous heparin infusion, the nurse should assess the patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to ensure proper anticoagulation levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to adjusting a patient's continuous heparin infusion, the nurse should assess the patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This value is used to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of the heparin infusion and to make dosage adjustments if necessary. Heparin is a pharmaceutical anticoagulant that is often administered therapeutically to prevent blood clots. The nurse uses the aPTT values to ensure that the heparin is keeping the blood at the right level of anticoagulation without excessively increasing the risk of bleeding or allowing clot formation. Checking platelet count is crucial as well, especially since heparin can sometimes cause thrombocytopenia, but the immediate action related to heparin infusion adjustment is based on aPTT values.