Why is the platelet count monitored daily for a patient receiving heparin therapeutically?
a. Platelets increase when a patient is overheparinized.
b. Platelets decrease when a patient is overheparinized.
c. A significant decrease in the platelet count is evidence for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
d. A significant increase in the platelet count is early evidence for heparin-induced thrombocytosis.
ANS: C
A decrease of 40% or greater in the platelet count, even if the platelet count remains in the reference range, is evidence for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. This is a serious consequence, and unfractionated heparin therapy must be immediately stopped and replaced with a direct thrombin inhibitor.
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