Final answer:
Heparin and Coumadin have different lab values used to monitor their effectiveness. Heparin uses activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), while Coumadin uses the International Normalized Ratio (INR).
Step-by-step explanation:
Heparin and Coumadin are both anticoagulant drugs used to prevent excessive blood clotting. However, they work in different ways and have different lab values used to monitor their effectiveness.
For Heparin, the lab value used is the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), which measures how long it takes for blood to clot. The goal range for aPTT on Heparin therapy is typically 1.5-2.5 times the control value.
For Coumadin, the lab value used is the International Normalized Ratio (INR), which is a standardized measure of blood clotting time. The target range for INR on Coumadin therapy varies depending on the indication and individual patient factors, but it is generally kept between 2.0-3.0 for most situations.