Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

What is measured with heparin to monitor therapeutic levels?

1. PT and INR

2. Blood pressure

3. Aptt

4. Heart rate

The correct answer is: Aptt

Heparin is a medication commonly used to prevent the formation of blood clots. The therapeutic range for heparin is measured by a laboratory test called Aptt (activated partial thromboplastin time). This test measures the time it takes for a blood clot to form and is used to determine if the heparin dosage is at the appropriate level to prevent blood clots. Option A, PT and INR, are laboratory tests used to monitor the effectiveness of another blood-thinning medication, warfarin. These tests are not used to measure heparin levels. Option B, blood pressure, is not related to monitoring heparin levels. Option D, heart rate, is also not relevant to monitoring heparin levels.