A patient receiving IV heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf asks why his calf remains painful, edematous, and warm to touch after 2 days of anticoagulant therapy. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
a. It takes at least 3 days for the symptoms to resolve once the clot dissolves.
b. Heparin does not dissolve blood clots but neutralizes clotting factors, preventing extension of the clot and the possibility of it traveling elsewhere in your body.
c. I will report this to your health care provider because there may be a need to look at alternative treatments.
d. You appear anxious. The health care provider will eventually put you on ticlopidine, which allows for an earlier discharge.
Question 2
A patient is receiving 1400 units of heparin/hour on an IV pump. The aPTT time is 54. The laboratory control is 25. Which action by the nurse is accurate?
a. Bolus the patient with an additional 5000 units of heparin.
b. Stop the heparin immediately and notify the health care provider that the patient's blood level is toxic.
c. Administer protamine sulfate stat.
d. Continue with the prescribed rate.
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