Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 510 of 2368
A client who is receiving heparin has a blood pressure that is falling and a heart rate that is rising. What should the nurse suspect?
- Heparin underdosing
- Fluid overload
- An allergic reaction to protamine
- Internal bleeding
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Correct answer: Internal bleeding
A decreasing blood pressure with an increasing heart rate can mean internal bleeding, which must be reported at once.
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