Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D. Checking the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) every 4 hours is essential when a client is receiving continuous IV infusion of heparin. This is important to monitor the effectiveness and safety of heparin therapy since aPTT reflects the clotting time and helps determine the appropriate dosage adjustments. Using IV tubing specific for heparin (choice A) is also important to prevent drug interactions, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. Administering heparin by IV bolus (choice B) can lead to rapid anticoagulation and increased risk of bleeding. Having vitamin K available (choice C) is not directly related to monitoring heparin therapy.