Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: aPTT 90 seconds. This finding indicates that the client's blood is taking longer than normal to clot, suggesting that the heparin therapy may be causing excessive anticoagulation, putting the client at risk for bleeding complications. The nurse should report this to the provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the heparin dosage.
Incorrect choices:
A: Platelet count 100,000/mm┬│ - While low platelet count can be a concern during heparin therapy, a count of 100,000/mm┬│ alone may not be critically low.
C: INR 1.2 - INR within the target range is appropriate for clients on heparin therapy.
D: Hemoglobin 14 g/dL - Hemoglobin level within normal range does not raise immediate concerns related to heparin therapy.
Incorrect choices:
A: Platelet count 100,000/mm┬│ - While low platelet count can be a concern during heparin therapy, a count of 100,000/mm┬│ alone may not be critically low.
C: INR 1.2 - INR within the target range is appropriate for clients on heparin therapy.
D: Hemoglobin 14 g/dL - Hemoglobin level within normal range does not raise immediate concerns related to heparin therapy.