What should a nurse do if a client's aPTT exceeds 95 seconds while receiving heparin?

When a client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) exceeds the therapeutic range while receiving heparin, it indicates an increased risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. The appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario involves holding or stopping the heparin infusion temporarily to prevent further elevation of the aPTT and mitigate the risk of hemorrhage.

In this case, stopping the heparin infusion for one hour allows for re-evaluation of the patient's coagulation status and prevents additional anticoagulation while alternative measures can be considered. It’s essential to monitor the patient closely during this time and potentially prepare to recheck the aPTT after a specified duration, depending on the healthcare facility's protocols.

This action aligns with standard nursing practice when dealing with anticoagulant therapy since it emphasizes patient safety and risk management. Adjustments to the infusion rate, changing the IV site, or administering an antidote would not be appropriate at this stage without first stopping the heparin to prevent further complication. The latter actions may become necessary depending on the follow-up aPTT results but are not the immediate response required when an aPTT is excessively high.