A patient with a pulmonary embolism is being treated with a heparin infusion. What diagnostic finding suggests to the nurse that treatment is effective?
A) The patient's PT is within reference ranges.
B) Arterial blood sampling tests positive for the presence of factor XIII.
C) The patient's platelet level is below 100,000/mm3.
D) The patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value.
Ans: D
Feedback:
The therapeutic effect of heparin is monitored by serial measurements of the aPTT; the dose is adjusted to maintain the range at 1.5 to 2.5 times the laboratory control. Heparin dosing is not determined on the basis of platelet levels, the presence or absence of clotting factors, or PT levels.
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