A client who had thrombolytic therapy is receiving sodium heparin. What is the nurse's first action if the client's blood pressure drops significantly?

When a client who has undergone thrombolytic therapy experiences a significant drop in blood pressure, the priority is to prevent further complications, especially concerning bleeding, which is a major risk with thrombolytic agents and anticoagulants like heparin. Stopping the heparin infusion right away is essential because the use of heparin can exacerbate bleeding risks and contribute to worsening hypotension.

When thrombolytic therapy is administered, it breaks down existing clots, but it can also increase the risk of bleeding due to the disruption of the hemostatic balance. If the blood pressure drops significantly, it signifies that there could be internal bleeding or hemodynamic instability. By stopping the heparin infusion immediately, the nurse can mitigate this risk and allow the medical team to evaluate the cause of the blood pressure drop more effectively.

After stopping the heparin infusion, additional assessments for bleeding or any other underlying issues can be conducted to ensure patient safety and to implement further interventions as necessary.