What should be monitored closely when administering unfractionated heparin?

When administering unfractionated heparin, it is crucial to closely monitor platelet levels due to the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT is a potentially serious condition where the immune system generates antibodies against heparin-bound platelets, leading to a decrease in platelet count and an increased risk of thrombosis. Regular monitoring of platelet counts allows for early detection of HIT, enabling timely intervention to mitigate complications associated with this condition.

Although monitoring other parameters, such as heart rate, renal function, and fluid balance, is important in patient management, they are not as specific to the use of unfractionated heparin as platelet levels are. Heart rate may be monitored as part of overall cardiovascular status, renal function evaluations are pertinent for certain medications, and fluid balance is critical in many clinical settings, but platelet monitoring is the key aspect directly related to the administration of heparin and its associated risks.