The nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving a heparin infusion and warfarin for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombo-cytopenia (HIT). Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan ofcare?
A)Use low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) only.
B)Flush all intermittent IV lines using normal saline.
C)Administer the warfarin at the scheduled time.
D)Teach the client about the purpose of platelet transfusions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All heparin is discontinued when the HIT is diagnosed. The client should be instructed to never receive heparin or LMWH. Warfarin is usually not given until the platelet count has returned to 150 * 109/L. The platelet count does not drop low enough in HIT for a platelet transfusion, and platelet transfusions increase the risk for thrombosis.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Been