A patient with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is placed on a heparin drip. The nurse should have which of the following drugs available in cases of accidental overdose?
calcium gluconate
vitamin K
protamine sulfate
potassium chloride
The Correct Answer is C
A. Calcium gluconate: Calcium gluconate is used to treat conditions such as hyperkalemia or calcium channel blocker overdose. It has no role in reversing the anticoagulant effects of heparin and would not be useful in this scenario.
B. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin (Coumadin), not heparin. It promotes the synthesis of clotting factors inhibited by warfarin but does not affect the mechanism of action of heparin.
C. Protamine sulfate: Protamine sulfate binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effect, making it the specific antidote for heparin overdose. It is used to reverse excessive anticoagulation and reduce the risk of bleeding complications.
D. Potassium chloride: Potassium chloride is used to treat or prevent hypokalemia. It has no antidotal properties for anticoagulants and would not be relevant in managing heparin toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Vitamin K:Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin overdose. Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and administering vitamin K reverses this effect by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors to control bleeding.
B. Magnesium sulfate:Magnesium sulfate is used to treat conditions such as torsades de pointes and eclampsia but has no role in reversing the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. It does not impact coagulation pathways or vitamin K levels.
C. Flumazenil:Flumazenil is an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose. It acts by antagonizing the effects of drugs like diazepam and lorazepam but has no effect on warfarin or anticoagulation reversal.
D. Protamine sulfate:Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin overdose, not warfarin. It neutralizes heparin's anticoagulant properties but does not interact with vitamin K or affect warfarin action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A venturi mask: The Venturi mask is often used in patients with COPD. However, it may cause dryness and irritation in the nasal passages and sinuses due to non-humidified, high-flow delivery, which could aggravate existing sinus conditions.
B. A nasal cannula: While nasal cannulas are less drying than masks and suitable for low-flow oxygen delivery, they can still cause mucosal dryness when used without humidification, particularly in patients with sinus issues.
C. High-flow oxygen via nasal cannula: High-flow nasal cannula therapy provides warmed, humidified oxygen, but at higher rates than needed for most patients starting oxygen therapy. It is more appropriate for acute respiratory failure than for routine use in sinus conditions.
D. Adding humidification to the oxygen setup: Humidifying oxygen helps prevent nasal and sinus mucosal dryness and irritation, making it beneficial for patients with sinus disorders. Moisture improves comfort and protects the integrity of the upper airway mucosa during oxygen therapy.
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