While being on subcutaneous heparin injections for deep vein thrombosis during her latter pregnancy, a patient begins to experience major side effects. Her OB-GYN physician has called in a specialist who thinks that the patient is experiencing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The nurse should anticipate which of the following orders?
A) Decrease the dose of heparin from 5000 units b.i.d to 3000 units b.i.d
B) Immediately discontinue the heparin therapy
C) Switch to Coumadin 2.5 mg once/day
D) Infuse FFP stat

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The treatment of HIT requires the immediate discontinuation of heparin therapy and the use of alternative anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis recurrence. Decreasing the dose will not stop HIT. Coumadin is contraindicated in pregnancy. FFP is not called for in this situation.

While Being on Subcutaneous Heparin Injections for Deep Vein Thrombosis