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NCLEX Question of the Day
Review the question, check the correct answer, and read the rationale before tomorrow's prompt arrives.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of heparin?
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Prothrombin time (PT)
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Correct answer Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
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International normalized ratio (INR)
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Platelet count
Rationale
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin, as heparin directly affects the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, which is measured by aPTT. Prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) are used to monitor warfarin therapy, which affects the extrinsic pathway. Platelet count is monitored for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia but does not assess the anticoagulant effect of heparin.
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