A male client is started on IV anticoagulant therapy with heparin.
Which of the following laboratory studies will be ordered to monitor the therapeutic effects of heparin?
A . Partial thromboplastin time
B . Hemoglobin
C . Red blood cell (RBC) count
D . Prothrombin time
Answer: A
Explanation:
(A) Partial thromboplastin time is used to monitor the effects of heparin, and dosage is adjusted depending on test results. It is a screening test used to detect deficiencies in all plasma clotting factorsexcept factors VII and XIII and platelets.
(B) Hemoglobin is the main component of RBCs. Its main function is to carry O2from the lungs to the body tissues and to transport CO2back to the lungs.
(C) RBC count is the determination of the number of RBCs found in each cubic millimeter of whole blood.
(D) PT is used to monitor the effects of oral anticoagulants, e.g., coumarintype anticoagulants.
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