A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving heparin by IV infusion.
Which of the following medications should the nurse have available in the event of an overdose?
Protamine.
Glucagon.
Oxygen.
Insulin.
The Correct Answer is A
Protamine is a medication that can be used to reverse the effects of heparin in the event of an overdose.
It binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effects.
Choice B is not correct because glucagon is used to treat low blood sugar, not heparin overdose.
Choice C is not correct because oxygen is not a medication and is not used to treat heparin overdose.
Choice D is not correct because insulin is used to lower high blood sugar levels, not to treat heparin overdose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Protamine sulfate is a medication that can be used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin1.
It is a polycationic protein drug obtained from the sperm of fish and is used to reverse the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH)2.

Choice B, Deferoxamine, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat iron overload, not to reverse heparin’s effects.
Choice C, Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, not to reverse heparin’s effects.
Choice D, Acetylcysteine, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat acetaminophen overdose and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The client should remove the used patch with medication areas to the inside and discard it in a closed receptacle 1.
Choice B is incorrect because the nitroglycerin patch should not be kept in place for 24 hours per day.
Instead, it should be worn for 12 to 14 hours and then removed 12.
Choice C is incorrect because while it is important to apply the patch to a clean, dry skin area with little or no hair that is free of scars, cuts, or irritation 1, there is no specific instruction to cleanse excess hair from the skin before applying the patch.
Choice D is incorrect because a second patch should not be applied if angina pain occurs.
Nitroglycerin transdermal patches are used to reduce the number of angina attacks over a long time and will not relieve an attack that has already started because it works too slowly 1.
Instead, the client should check with their doctor if they also need a fast-acting medicine to relieve the pain of an angina attack 1.
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