A patient is receiving 1400 units of heparin/hr on an IV pump.The aPTT time is 54.The laboratory control is 25.Which action by the nurse is accurate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The aPTT time is within the therapeutic range (1.5-2.5 times the laboratory control) which in this case is 37.5-62.5. Therefore, the nurse should continue with the prescribed rate of heparin infusion. Administering a bolus of heparin or protamine sulfate is not indicated as the aPTT time is within therapeutic range. Stopping the heparin immediately is not indicated as the patient is not showing signs of toxicity.

A Patient Is Receiving 1400 Units of Heparin/hr on an IV