A client is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin for deep vein thrombosis. The nurse notes that the client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is above the therapeutic range. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits clotting factors and prevents thrombus formation. The aPTT is a laboratory test that measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy. The therapeutic range for aPTT is usually 1.5 to 2 times the normal value, which is about 25 to 35 seconds. If the aPTT is above the therapeutic range, this indicates that the client is at risk for bleeding and that the heparin dose is too high.

A) This is not an appropriate action. Stopping the infusion abruptly could put the client is at risk for clotting and complications such as pulmonary embolism or stroke The nurse should only stop the infusion if instructed by the provider or if the client has signs of severe bleeding or haemorrhage.

B) Correct. This is an appropriate action. Decreasing the infusion rate will lower the heparin dose and bring the aPTT back to the therapeutic range. The nurse should notify the provider of the aPTT result and obtain further orders for heparin therapy.

C) This is not an appropriate action. Increasing the infusion rate will raise the heparin dose and increase the aPTT further above the therapeutic range. This could worsen the risk of bleeding for the client.

D) This is not an appropriate action. Continuing the infusion without adjusting the rate or notifying the provider could result in harm to the client due to excessive anticoagulation and bleeding.

The nurse should follow the six rights of medication administration, which include the right client, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation. The first action the nurse should take is to compare the medication label with the MAR to ensure that they match and that the medication has been prescribed for the client.

A) This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should check the client's identification band after comparing the medication label with the MAR and before administering the medication.

B) This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should explain the purpose and side effects of the medication after comparing the medication label with the MAR and before administering the medication.

C) Correct. This is the first action the nurse should take to ensure that the right medication is being given to the right client.

D) This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should assess the client for contraindications and allergies after comparing the medication label with the MAR and before administering the medication.