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Heparin Therapy — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Monitor aPTT, antidote protamine

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Heparin Therapy on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Labs

Key numbers

aPTT goal 1.5–2.5× control
Therapeutic aPTT 46–70 sec
Monitor platelets for HIT

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Do

Nursing actions

SubQ in abdomen, don't aspirate
Don't rub site, rotate sites
Onset fast → acute use

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Meds

Key numbers

Protamine sulfate = antidote

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Report

Notify / act now

Bleeding gums, hematuria, melena
Drop in platelets = stop, call

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Quick Tip

Monitor aPTT — therapeutic is 1.5–2.5 times the control.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin Toxicity Warfarin Therapy Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children Serotonin Syndrome

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