A patient is receiving a heparin infusion. After the second day of infusion, his platelets decrease to 50,000 cells/mL³. The next best action would be to: A) decrease the rate of the infusion. B) stop the infusion and switch to another anticoagulant. C) continue infusion but monitor the platelet count every 4 hours. D) transfuse the patient with platelets.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is likely experiencing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious condition where heparin causes a drop in platelet count. The best action is to stop heparin and switch to a non-heparin anticoagulant.

A Patient Is Receiving a Heparin Infusion