Which statement accurately describes UFH dosing for VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients?

Which statement accurately describes UFH dosing for VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized patients?

• A. 7500 units SQ every 8 hours
• B. 1000 units SQ every 8 hours
• C. 5000 units SQ every 8-12 hours
• D. 2000 units SQ daily

Answer: (C)

Prophylactic unfractionated heparin uses a fixed, low-dose schedule to reduce venous thromboembolism risk in hospitalized patients without achieving full anticoagulation. The standard regimen is 5,000 units given under the skin every 8 to 12 hours. This dosing serves to prevent clot formation while keeping bleeding risk relatively low, and it’s the typical starting point unless there are contraindications. Dosing like 7,500 units every 8 hours is higher than standard prophylaxis and not routinely used; 1,000 units every 8 hours is far too low for effective prophylaxis; 2,000 units daily is infrequent and not a standard prophylactic schedule.

Prophylactic unfractionated heparin uses a fixed, low-dose schedule to reduce venous thromboembolism risk in hospitalized patients without achieving full anticoagulation. The standard regimen is 5,000 units given under the skin every 8 to 12 hours. This dosing serves to prevent clot formation while keeping bleeding risk relatively low, and it’s the typical starting point unless there are contraindications.

Dosing like 7,500 units every 8 hours is higher than standard prophylaxis and not routinely used; 1,000 units every 8 hours is far too low for effective prophylaxis; 2,000 units daily is infrequent and not a standard prophylactic schedule.