What might indicate the need to increase heparin?

What might indicate the need to increase heparin?

• A. Low resistance in the circuit
• B. No signs of clotting
• C. Good circuit patency
• D. Clotting in the extracorporeal circuit

Answer: (D)

Clotting in the extracorporeal circuit signals that anticoagulation may be insufficient. Heparin is given to prevent clots from forming in the dialyzer and tubing, so when you see clots in the circuit, the straightforward response is to increase the heparin to restore patency and keep the flow smooth. After adjusting, it’s important to monitor for bleeding and check the anticoagulation targets (like ACT or aPTT) and adjust again as needed per protocol. If there’s no clotting, or if the circuit shows low resistance and good patency, those findings indicate adequate anticoagulation, so increasing heparin isn’t indicated.

Clotting in the extracorporeal circuit signals that anticoagulation may be insufficient. Heparin is given to prevent clots from forming in the dialyzer and tubing, so when you see clots in the circuit, the straightforward response is to increase the heparin to restore patency and keep the flow smooth. After adjusting, it’s important to monitor for bleeding and check the anticoagulation targets (like ACT or aPTT) and adjust again as needed per protocol. If there’s no clotting, or if the circuit shows low resistance and good patency, those findings indicate adequate anticoagulation, so increasing heparin isn’t indicated.