Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Full-length
A client is receiving a continuous infusion of heparin. The nurse notes a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 120 seconds. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
A PTT of 120 seconds is significantly above the therapeutic range (1.5 to 2 times normal), indicating a risk of bleeding. Stopping the infusion is the first action to prevent harm.