The nurse suspects the development of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) when a patient receiving heparin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Platelet aggregation in HITTS causes neutralization of heparin so that the activated partial thromboplastin times will be shorter and more heparin will be needed to maintain therapeutic levels. Decreases in WBCs and RBCs are not seen with HITTS. A platelet count of 200,000/ml is normal. A spiking temperature and chills indicate infection or sepsis, not HITTS.

The Nurse Suspects the Development of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis