A patient receiving heparin has a prothrombin time (PT) of 19 sec and an International Standardized Ratio (INR) of approximately 5.0, what does this indicate?
A) High likelihood of excessive bleeding.
B) Patient's results are normal.
C) High likelihood of increased clotting.
D) Possible embolism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prothrombin time (PT) is defined as the time in seconds required by plasma to form a fibrin clot following exposure to tissue factors. Clinically, abnormal increases in PT and PTT are found in patients with vitamin K deficiencies, and patients on anticoagulation therapy such as warfarin or heparin. PT is accompanied by an additional measurement known as the International Standardized Ratio (INR). The INR expresses PT relative to an established sample value. A normal INR value is 0.9 to 1.3. INR values of approximately 5.0 indicate a high likelihood for bleeding. Values of 0.5 are associated with a tendency toward increased clotting.

A Patient Receiving Heparin Has a Prothrombin Time (PT) of 19