Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 509 of 2368
A client receiving heparin has a platelet count that has dropped 35% below baseline. What is the nurse's priority action?
- Continue the infusion and recheck the platelet count tomorrow
- Give vitamin K to raise the platelet count back toward baseline
- Notify the provider right away because HIT is suspected
- Increase the infusion rate to prevent new clots from forming
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Correct answer: Notify the provider right away because HIT is suspected
A drop of 30% or more suggests HIT, and heparin should be discontinued immediately.
Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Cardiovascular & Renal Systems: Heparin Sodium. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026