A patient is receiving heparin postoperatively to prevent deep vein thrombosis. The nurse notes that the patient has a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg and a heart rate of 98 beats/min. The patient's most recent aPTT is greater than 90 seconds. The patient reports lumbar pain. The nurse will request an order for:

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Heparin overdose may cause hemorrhage, which can be characterized by low blood pressure, tachycardia, and lumbar pain. Protamine sulfate should be given, and the heparin should be discontinued. An aPTT may be drawn later to monitor the effectiveness of protamine sulfate. Analgesics are not indicated because the lumbar pain is likely caused by adrenal hemorrhage. Aspirin will only increase the risk of hemorrhage.

A Patient Is Receiving Heparin Postoperatively to Prevent Deep Vein