Question

The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive bleeding after receiving unfractionated heparin sodium. Which orders should the nurse anticipate from the health care provider? Select all that apply.

Obtain activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

Administer vitamin K.

Obtain prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio (INR).

Change prescription to enoxaparin.

Administer protamine sulfate.

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate obtaining an aPTT, administering protamine sulfate, and changing the prescription to enoxaparin for a client experiencing excessive bleeding after receiving unfractionated heparin sodium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate the following orders from the healthcare provider:

1. Obtain activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): This test measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy and helps determine the appropriate dosage.
2. Administer protamine sulfate: Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin and is used to reverse its effects in cases of excessive bleeding.
3. Change prescription to enoxaparin: Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that may be prescribed as an alternative to unfractionated heparin if the patient is experiencing excessive bleeding.