Question

A 76-year-old client is receiving IV heparin 5,000 U qh. An activated thromboplastin time (aPTT) is drawn 1 hour before the 8:00 AM dose; the aPTT is at 3.5 times the control value. What would be the most appropriate action?
a) Give the next two doses at the same time.
b) Hold the dose and call the result to the physician.
c) Give the dose and chart the results.
d) Check the client's vital signs and place him or her on bleeding precautions.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option B

b) Hold the dose and call the result to the physician.

Explanation:

Giving 2 doses at once, giving the dose and chart the results, or checking the vital signs and place them on bleeding precautions will be wrong.

Assessing therapeutic heparin effect is the right thing to do.