Duplex scanning confirms the presence of a large deep-vein thrombosis (DVT),and the physician orders continuous IV heparin infusion for a patient who has swelling and pain of the upper leg.While the patient is receiving the heparin infusion,what should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should avoid any intramuscular (IM) medications to prevent localized bleeding, as heparin is an anticoagulant medication and can increase the risk of bleeding. The other options are not appropriate actions related to heparin infusion. The nurse should notify the physician if the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) value is outside the therapeutic range, but the value mentioned in the option is not specific or appropriate. Vitamin K is not a reversal agent for heparin and should not be given routinely. Starting instruction for self-administered subcutaneous heparin injections for long-term home therapy is not appropriate during the acute phase of treatment with continuous IV heparin infusion.

Duplex Scanning Confirms the Presence of a Large Deep-Vein Thrombosis