A nurse is caring for a client who is on warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. The client's INR is 5.2. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
Atropine
Epinephrine
Vitamin K
Protamine
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Atropine is not the correct answer, as it is an anticholinergic medication that is used to treat bradycardia, not warfarin overdose. Atropine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice B reason: Epinephrine is not the correct answer, as it is a catecholamine medication that is used to treat anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe hypotension, not warfarin overdose. Epinephrine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice C reason: Vitamin K is the correct answer, as it is the antidote for warfarin overdose. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Vitamin K can reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR to a therapeutic range.
Choice D reason: Protamine is not the correct answer, as it is the antidote for heparin overdose, not warfarin overdose. Protamine is a protein that binds to and neutralizes heparin, but has no effect on warfarin or the INR.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hematocrit 45% is not the correct data. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. The normal range for hematocrit is 37% to 47% for women and 42% to 52% for men. Hematocrit 45% is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality related to heparin therapy. Heparin does not affect the production or destruction of red blood cells.
Choice B reason: Platelets 74,000/mm3 is the correct data. Platelets are the blood cells that are responsible for clotting and preventing bleeding. The normal range for platelets is 150,000 to 400,000/mm3. Platelets 74,000/mm3 is below the normal range and indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia is a serious complication of heparin therapy that can cause bleeding, bruising, and petechiae. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and stop the heparin infusion.
Choice C reason: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 65 seconds is not the correct data. PTT is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the blood to clot. The normal range for PTT is 25 to 35 seconds. PTT 65 seconds is above the normal range and indicates that the blood is taking longer to clot. This is an expected effect of heparin therapy, as heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of blood clots. The nurse should monitor the PTT and adjust the heparin dose according to the provider's orders and the protocol.
Choice D reason: White blood cell count 8,000/mm3 is not the correct data. White blood cells are the blood cells that are involved in the immune system and fight infections. The normal range for white blood cells is 4,500 to 11,000/mm3. White blood cell count 8,000/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality related to heparin therapy. Heparin does not affect the production or function of white blood cells.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. Vitamin K reverses the effects of warfarin by increasing the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.
Choice B reason: Glucagon is the antidote for insulin, not heparin. Glucagon increases the blood glucose level by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.
Choice C reason: Protamine is the antidote for heparin, not vitamin K or glucagon. Protamine neutralizes the effects of heparin by binding to it and forming a stable complex.

Choice D reason: Iron is not an antidote for any anticoagulant. Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
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