Question

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis who is receiving a continuous intravenous heparin infusion. The client's baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) prior to starting the heparin infusion was 24 seconds. The most recent aPTT result was 55 seconds. What action should the nurse take?

A
Maintain the current heparin infusion rate Correct Answer (Blank)
B
Administer a heparin antagonist (protamine)
C
Decrease the heparin infusion rate
D
Increase the heparin infusion rate

Answer 1

The nurse should maintain the current heparin infusion rate for the client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should maintain the current heparin infusion rate for the client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot, and a higher aPTT indicates that the blood is taking longer to clot. In this case, the client's aPTT has increased from their baseline of 24 seconds to 55 seconds, indicating that the heparin is effectively preventing clot formation.