A trauma patient arrives in the emergency department via EMS, bleeding profusely from a wound on the left lower extremity. A medical alert necklace indicates he is on heparin therapy. The nurse will most likely administer which medication to counteract the action of heparin?

Choice A reason: The DASH diet, designed for hypertension, recommends limiting sodium to 2300 mg/day or less to reduce fluid retention and blood pressure. Low sodium decreases vascular volume and resistance, improving cardiovascular outcomes, making this the correct dietary recommendation for Mr. Carter’s hypertension management.

Choice B reason: Increasing red meat intake is contrary to the DASH diet, which emphasizes lean proteins and limits saturated fats. Red meat raises cholesterol and blood pressure, worsening hypertension. This recommendation is incorrect, as it opposes the diet’s goal of reducing cardiovascular risk through healthier food choices.

Choice C reason: Full-fat dairy products are high in saturated fats, increasing cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, contrary to the DASH diet’s emphasis on low-fat dairy. This choice raises blood pressure, making it incorrect, as the DASH diet promotes low-fat options to support hypertension control and heart health.

Choice D reason: Avoiding all carbohydrates is not part of the DASH diet, which includes complex carbohydrates like whole grains for fiber and sustained energy. Eliminating carbohydrates risks nutritional imbalance and is not evidence-based for hypertension, making this an incorrect recommendation for Mr. Carter’s dietary plan.

Choice A reason: An elevated platelet count does not indicate warfarin overdose, which prolongs clotting time by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent factors, not platelet function. Normal or low platelets may cause bleeding, but INR is the key indicator, making this incorrect for assessing overdose.

Choice B reason: Elevated aPTT reflects heparin’s effect, not warfarin, which primarily affects prothrombin time and INR. While bleeding may occur, aPTT is not the primary test for warfarin overdose, making this incorrect, as INR directly monitors warfarin’s anticoagulant effect and overdose risk.

Choice C reason: An elevated lipid panel is unrelated to warfarin overdose, which causes bleeding by inhibiting clotting factors. Lipid levels affect atherosclerosis, not coagulation, making this incorrect, as INR is the specific test to assess warfarin’s therapeutic and overdose effects in bleeding patients.

Choice D reason: An elevated INR level indicates warfarin overdose, as warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, prolonging prothrombin time and increasing bleeding risk like bruising and nosebleeds. Monitoring INR is critical, making this the correct test to identify overdose in this patient.