Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A patient develops a postoperative deep vein thrombosis and is started on IV heparin. Which of the ff. laboratory tests is monitored during the heparin therapy?

  • A. Plasma fibrinogen c.Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
  • B. Prothrombin time (PT)
  • C. International normalized ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During heparin therapy, the laboratory test that is monitored is the partial thromboplastin time (PTT). Heparin acts by potentiating the activity of antithrombin III, leading to the inhibition of both thrombin and factor Xa. The PTT measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is prolonged with heparin due to its anticoagulant effect. Monitoring the PTT helps to ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range of anticoagulation to prevent clot formation without increasing the risk of bleeding complications. Plasma fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), and international normalized ratio (INR) are not routinely monitored during heparin therapy.