The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin. The client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) result is 120 seconds (therapeutic range: 60-80 seconds). Which action should the nurse take FIRST?

Question: The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin. The client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) result is 120 seconds (therapeutic range: 60-80 seconds). Which action should the nurse take FIRST?

Answer options:

• Increase the rate of the heparin infusion as per protocol.
• Administer vitamin K to reverse the effects of heparin. ✅ Stop the heparin infusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.
• Monitor for signs of bleeding every 4 hours.

Correct answer: Stop the heparin infusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.

Explanation: An aPTT of 120 seconds is significantly above the therapeutic range, indicating a high risk for bleeding. The nurse's priority action is to immediately stop the heparin infusion to prevent further anticoagulation and then notify the healthcare provider for further orders.