A laboratory technician notifies a nurse that a patient who is receiving an IV heparin drip per weight-based protocol at a rate of 700 units/hour has an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)of 130 seconds (control is 35 seconds).Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate initially?

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An aPTT of 130 seconds is significantly above the therapeutic range for heparin, which is typically between 60-80 seconds. The most appropriate initial intervention would be to stop the heparin and recheck the aPTT in 1 hour. This is necessary to determine if the heparin is causing an excessive anticoagulant effect resulting in a higher risk of bleeding. Based on the new aPTT result, the healthcare provider can adjust the heparin dosage or decide to stop the infusion altogether. Continuing the heparin at the current rate or monitoring for bleeding would not address the issue of potentially excessive anticoagulation. Preparing an injection of vitamin K for emergency injection is inappropriate because vitamin K does not reverse the anticoagulant effect of heparin.

A Laboratory Technician Notifies a Nurse That a Patient Who