The antidote to warfarin toxicity is what?
Vitamin B12.
Vitamin K.
Calcium gluconate.
Protamine sulfate
The Correct Answer is B
Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin toxicity because it can reverse the effects of warfarin by restoring the clotting factors. Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase, an enzyme that activates vitamin K in the body. Vitamin K is needed for the synthesis of active coagulation factors, such as II, VII, IX and X. By blocking vitamin K, warfarin reduces the blood’s clotting activity and prevents the formation of blood clots.
Choice A is wrong because vitamin B12 is not involved in the coagulation cascade. Vitamin B12 is mainly involved in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production and nerve function.
Choice C is wrong because calcium gluconate is not an antidote for warfarin toxicity. Calcium gluconate is used to treat low blood calcium levels or hypocalcemia. Calcium is also a cofactor for some coagulation factors, but it does not reverse the effects of warfarin.
Choice D is wrong because protamine sulfate is not an antidote for warfarin toxicity.
Protamine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of heparin, another type of anticoagulant that works by inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa.
Protamine sulfate does not affect the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors that are inhibited by warfarin.
Normal ranges for coagulation tests that are affected by warfarin are:
• Prothrombin time (PT): 11 to 13.5 seconds
• International normalized ratio (INR): 0.8 to 1.2
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): 25 to 35 seconds
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because digoxin inhibits the Na-K-ATPase pump on the membrane of cardiac cells, which can cause extracellular potassium levels to rise.Hypokalemia (low potassium) caused by large dosages of diuretics may result in digoxin toxicity even at low serum digoxin levels.Digoxin toxicity can cause gastrointestinal, constitutional, and/or cardiovascular symptoms, as well as ECG changes such as signs of increased automaticity and atrioventricular node blockade.
Choice B is wrong because calcium 9.2 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.Hypercalcemia (high calcium) can increase sensitivity to digoxin effects and lead to toxicity even with a lower concentration of serum digoxin, but this is not the case here.
Choice C is wrong because potassium 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Hyperkalemia (high potassium) can also increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, but this is not the case here.
Choice D is wrong because calcium 10.3 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.Hypercalcemia (high calcium) can increase sensitivity to digoxin effects and lead to toxicity even with a lower concentration of serum digoxin, but this is not the case here.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Furosemide is a diuretic that lowers blood pressure and increases urine output. It also causes potassium loss, which can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). The patient’s blood pressure is already low when sitting, and the serum potassium is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Administering furosemide could worsen these conditions and cause adverse effects such as dehydration, dizziness, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and renal impairment. Therefore, the nurse should contact the provider before giving the medication and report the vital signs and laboratory results.
Choice A. Administer medication is wrong because it could harm the patient as explained above.
Choice C. Hold medication until next dose is wrong because it does not address the underlying problem of fluid retention and hypokalemia.
The nurse should not delay notifying the provider about the patient’s condition.
Choice D. Check urine output before giving medication is wrong because it is not enough to ensure the patient’s safety.
The nurse should also check the blood pressure and serum potassium levels, which are more critical indicators of the patient’s status.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
