Question

While receiving a heparin infusion to treat deep vein thrombosis, a client reports that his gums bleed when he brushes his teeth. what should the nurse do first?

Answer 1

The nurse should stop the transfusion immediately and consult with the doctor. Heparin is a blood-thinner and bleeding gums is a sign that a person's blood is too thin. This makes it harder for blood to clot and the patient could bleed to death.