What should the nurse do if a client with deep vein thrombosis has aPTT results that are too high?

If a client with deep vein thrombosis has aPTT results that are too high, the nurse should adjust the heparin dosage as per protocol. The aPTT test is used to monitor the anticoagulation effects of heparin therapy; if the values are elevated, this indicates an increased risk of bleeding. Adjusting the heparin dosage is a crucial intervention because it allows for the tailoring of anticoagulant therapy to maintain therapeutic levels while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. It is vital for the nurse to act according to institutional protocols to ensure patient safety and adherence to best practices in medication management.

In the context of this situation, administering vitamin K would not be appropriate, as it is used to reverse the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Continuing the current dosage would risk potential complications from excessive anticoagulation. Switching to oral anticoagulants is not immediately indicated in this scenario, as the patient may still need heparin therapy managed appropriately rather than a sudden change in medication type without a clear plan. Thus, adjusting the dosage is the most appropriate course of action.