Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving heparin via continuous IV. The client has an aPTT of 90 seconds. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following changes in their vital signs?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Increased pulse rate. Heparin prolongs aPTT, increasing risk of bleeding. This can lead to decreased blood volume and tissue perfusion, causing the body to compensate by increasing heart rate to maintain cardiac output. Increased blood pressure (B) is less likely due to decreased blood volume. Temperature (C) and respiratory rate (D) aren't directly affected by heparin.