A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving a continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin. The client asks the nurse what the heparin is for. How should the nurse respond?

Question

A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving a continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin.  The client asks the nurse what the heparin is for.  How should the nurse respond?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Venous thrombosis involves the formation of a thrombus (clot) and the inflammation of the vein. Anticoagulant therapy such as heparin does not dissolve the clot. The clot will be broken down by the body's intrinsic fibrinolytic system over time. The heparin slows the time it takes blood to clot, thereby keeping the current clot from growing bigger and preventing new clots from forming. (Option A) Anticoagulants do not dissolve clots. Thrombolytic agents (fibrinolytics), such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are used to break the clots, but they also carry the risk of serious intracranial hemorrhage and are used only for acute life-/organ-threatening conditions. The body will break down the clot over a period of time. (Option B) Heparin does not prevent the clot from breaking off but will deter the clot from growing larger. (Option D) The nurse should be able to answer client questions regarding medications being administered. The HCP can answer any further questions the client may have. Educational objective: The nurse should teach the client that the purpose of unfractionated heparin infusion in the treatment of DVT is to slow the time it takes blood to clot, thereby keeping the current clot from getting bigger and preventing new clots from forming.

A Client with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Is Receiving a Continuous