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How much unfractionated heparin should be given before giving ATIII?

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Final answer:

Unfractionated heparin is given before administering ATIII to prevent blood clot formation. The dosage of heparin varies based on the patient's condition and indication. Medical professionals consider factors such as weight and medical history to calculate the correct dosage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unfractionated heparin is a common anticoagulant used in medicine. Before giving antithrombin III (ATIII), a physician may administer unfractionated heparin to prevent blood clot formation. The specific dosage of unfractionated heparin depends on the patient's condition and the indication for its use. It is important for medical professionals to calculate the appropriate dosage of unfractionated heparin based on the patient's weight, medical history, and other relevant factors.

The dosing of unfractionated heparin before ATIII depends on the patient and the clinical case, ranging from a 3000 to 5000 units bolus, followed by an infusion to maintain a PTT at 1.5 to 2 times normal.

The amount of unfractionated heparin that should be administered prior to giving antithrombin III (ATIII) varies based on the patient's individual needs and the specific clinical situation. Typically, unfractionated heparin is given as an initial bolus dose, which could be anywhere from 3000 to 5000 units. Following the bolus, a continuous infusion is often started. The main goal is to ensure that the patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (a PTT) is 1.5 to 2 times the normal value. This is to achieve an anticoagulant effect before the administration of ATIII, which will further potentiate the effect of heparin. The precise dosing and monitoring are critical and require a healthcare professional's expertise.

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