Author Question: The nurse is providing care for a client who developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) during ... (Read 103 times)

D2AR0N · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is providing care for a client who developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) during heparin therapy.

The nurse is aware that lepirudin (Refludan) is often given to clients with this condition. Which assessment findings should the nurse report to the medical team?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. The most recent aPTT is 2.8.
2. The client's last stool tested positive for blood.
3. The client is allergic to eggs.
4. The client's spleen was removed after a motor vehicle accident 3 years ago.
5. The client drinks 56 cups of coffee daily.

Question 2

A client's intravenous heparin drip rate will be increased at 1400. The nurse plans to draw an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) at which time?

1. Immediately after increasing the rate
2. At 2000
3. At 1530
4. At 0800 the next morning

macmac · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: Lepirudin is contraindicated if the aPTT is above 2.5.
Rationale 2: Lepirudin is contraindicated in clients who are actively bleeding.
Rationale 3: There is no contraindication to the use of lepirudin in clients with egg allergy.
Rationale 4: A surgery 3 years ago is not a contraindication to the use of lepirudin, nor is absence of the spleen.
Rationale 5: There is no contraindication to the use of lepirudin in those who drink coffee.
Global Rationale: Lepirudin is contraindicated if the aPTT is above 2.5 or if the client is actively bleeding. There is no contraindication to the use of lepirudin in clients with egg allergy or for those who drink coffee. A surgery 3 years ago is not a contraindication to the use of lepirudin, nor is absence of the spleen.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: If drawn immediately, the aPTT will reflect the level from the lower dosage.
Rationale 2: The most accurate representation of aPTT from the new rate will occur at least 6 hours after a rate increase.
Rationale 3: At 1530, the aPTT will reflect a mix of the old rate and the new rate.
Rationale 4: Waiting until 0800 the next morning is dangerous because the heparin dose may be too high.
Global Rationale: The most accurate representation of aPTT from the new rate will occur at least 6 hours after a rate increase. If drawn immediately, the aPTT will reflect the level from the lower dosage. At 1530, the aPTT will reflect a mix of the old rate and the new rate. Waiting until 0800 the next morning is dangerous because the heparin dose may be too high.