A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. The client’s aPTT is 92 seconds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Increasing the infusion rate is dangerous, as an aPTT of 92 seconds indicates excessive anticoagulation, risking bleeding. The therapeutic range is 1.5–2.5 times normal (45–75 seconds), making this incorrect. Choice B reason: An aPTT of 92 seconds exceeds the therapeutic range, indicating over-anticoagulation. Decreasing the infusion rate reduces bleeding risk, aligning with protocol adjustments, making this the correct action. Choice C reason: Continuing the current rate maintains excessive anticoagulation, as 92 seconds is above the therapeutic aPTT range. This risks hemorrhage, requiring rate adjustment, making this incorrect. Choice D reason: Protamine sulfate reverses heparin in severe bleeding, but an aPTT of 92 seconds typically warrants rate reduction first. Without active bleeding, reversal is premature, making this incorrect.