A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving heparin via continuous IV infusion. The client has an increased aPTT level. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following changes in their vital signs?

A. Decreased respiratory rate: An increased aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) indicates a risk for bleeding, but it does not directly affect the respiratory rate. A decreased respiratory rate would not typically be seen unless the client is experiencing respiratory depression or failure. B. Decreased temperature: A decreased temperature is not a typical response to an increased aPTT. Hypothermia could occur in severe shock or other critical conditions, but it is not directly linked to an elevated aPTT level. C. Increased blood pressure: Heparin use and an elevated aPTT do not directly cause increased blood pressure. In fact, bleeding complications often lead to hypotension, not hypertension. D. Increased pulse rate: An increased pulse rate is a common compensatory response to hemorrhage or the potential for bleeding, which can occur with an elevated aPTT. The body may increase heart rate to maintain cardiac output and tissue perfusion in response to blood loss or hypovolemia. This is a priority vital sign change to monitor in clients receiving heparin therapy.