What should be done if a patient experiences signs of bleeding while on Heparin?

When a patient on Heparin exhibits signs of bleeding, the most appropriate action is to discontinue Heparin and notify the physician. Heparin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding by inhibiting clot formation. Therefore, any signs of bleeding, which can range from minor bruising to more severe manifestations such as hematuria or gastrointestinal bleeding, signal the need for immediate action to prevent further complications.

Discontinuing Heparin allows for the immediate reduction of anticoagulation effects, minimizing the risk of significant bleeding. Notifying the physician is crucial because they can assess the situation, determine the severity of the bleeding, and decide on the appropriate next steps, which may include alternative treatments or interventions.

Continuing therapy and monitoring would not be safe, as this could exacerbate the bleeding. Administering Vitamin K is inappropriate in this case, as Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin and not Heparin. Drawing a PTT immediately can provide information on the anticoagulation status but does not address the immediate concern of bleeding. The priority is to stop Heparin and ensure the patient's safety through medical intervention.