ATI Exit Exam Related

Review ATI Exit Exam related questions and content

A client with deep vein thrombosis receiving heparin therapy needs monitoring. Which test should the nurse use to regulate the medication dosage?

  • A. Prothrombin time (PT)
  • B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
  • C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
  • D. Fibrinogen levels
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). aPTT is specifically used to monitor and regulate heparin therapy as it assesses the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, which heparin affects. Options A and B, Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), are used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Option D, Fibrinogen levels, is not the primary test used to monitor heparin therapy.