A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to receive a series of allergy tests. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following medications for up to 4 weeks before the procedure?

A.PT (Prothrombin Time) 11 seconds: The prothrombin time measures the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. A PT of 11 seconds is within the normal range, and it indicates that the extrinsic clotting pathway is functioning appropriately. There is no need to report this value.
B. APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) 50 seconds: The APTT measures the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. A value of 50 seconds is prolonged and may suggest that the client is receiving an effective anticoagulant dose. However, the APTT target range can vary based on the specific therapeutic goal and the heparin protocol in use. It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's guidance on the target APTT range.
C. Hematocrit 456: The normal range for hematocrit is usually expressed as a percentage. A value of 456 is outside the normal range and likely represents an error or a misinterpretation. The nurse should verify this value, as an extremely high hematocrit could be indicative of an issue such as dehydration or an analytical error.
D. Platelets 300,000/mm²: A platelet count of 300,000/mm² is within the normal range. There is no need to report this value as it suggests a normal platelet count.

A. I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin:
Checking the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is more relevant for monitoring the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Heparin is typically monitored by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa levels.
B. "I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the injection:"
Applying gentle pressure to the injection site for about 1 minute after administering heparin is appropriate to prevent bleeding or bruising. Since heparin is an anticoagulant, there's an increased risk of bleeding at the injection site.
C. I will massage the site after injecting the heparin:
Massaging the site after injecting heparin is not recommended. It can increase the risk of hematoma formation. After subcutaneous injection, it is generally advised to avoid massaging the site.
D. I will aspirate before administering the heparin:
Aspiration is not recommended when administering heparin subcutaneously, as it can increase the risk of tissue damage and bruising. The nurse should inject the heparin without aspirating.