The MD orders heparin 1,000 units in 500 mL D5W at 2 units/kg/hr for a patient who weighs 50 kg. The IV was started at 50 mL/hr at 0800. An anti-Xa blood test is ordered 6 hours after the start of the infusion, then every 6 hours. The infusion rate of the IV heparin can be titrated after each anti-Xa blood test by using the following heparin weight-based protocol.
At 1400, an anti-Xa blood test is done with the result of 0.71 IU/mL. Following the weight-based heparin protocol, at 1400 how should the nurse adjust the IV infusion?
a. Increase to 55 mL/hr.
b. Maintain at 50 mL/hr.
c. Decrease to 40 mL/hr.
d. Decrease to 25 mL/hr.