Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy and has an aPTT of 92 seconds. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider might prescribe for the client?

A: Leucovorin
B: Vitamin K
C: Deferoxamine
D: Protamine

Answer 1

For a client with an aPTT of 92 seconds who is on heparin therapy, the nurse should anticipate the prescription of Protamine by the provider. Protamine is the antidote for heparin overdose and can neutralize its anticoagulant effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about a client who is receiving heparin therapy and has an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 92 seconds. Heparin is a short-acting anticoagulant used to prevent the formation of clots. Notably, the aPTT test measures the efficacy of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation, and heparin specifically acts to prolong the time it takes for blood to clot. An aPTT of 92 seconds is higher than the normal therapeutic range, indicating an increased bleeding risk, suggesting a potential heparin overdose.

The nurse should anticipate that the provider might prescribe Protamine, which is an antidote to heparin. It works by forming a complex with heparin, neutralizing its anticoagulant properties, and thus can be used to counteract excessive anticoagulation during heparin therapy. It is important for the nurse to monitor the patient closely and to be ready to administer the prescribed medication for heparin overdose as ordered by the healthcare provider.