Which client outcome is acceptable for a client receiving IV heparin for a deep venous thrombosis?

For a client receiving IV heparin for a deep venous thrombosis (DVT), the acceptable outcome is that they remain free of petechiae or purpura. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots from growing larger and to decrease the risk of new clot formation. One of the serious risks associated with anticoagulant therapy is bleeding, which can manifest as petechiae (small red or purple spots on the body caused by bleeding under the skin) or purpura (larger areas of bleeding).

By remaining free of these signs of bleeding, the client is demonstrating that the heparin is being administered at an appropriate dosage and that the client is not experiencing adverse effects typically associated with anticoagulation therapy. This outcome indicates that the client is being monitored effectively for the side effects of treatment, which includes keeping a watchful eye on any signs of bleeding.

The other outcomes may not necessarily indicate an acceptable or optimal therapeutic response to IV heparin therapy. For example, experiencing no significant change in pain, a stable heart rate above 100/min, or reporting no change in extremity pain during ambulation may not provide clear evidence of the effectiveness of the heparin therapy or