Unlike heparin, the anticoagulant activity of warfarin can take several

to reach its maximum effect.

To determine how many milliliters (mL) of potassium chloride the nurse should administer to provide 30 mEq, we can set up a proportion:

20 mEq is contained in 15 mL. So, to find out how many mL contain 30 mEq, we can set up the proportion:

20 mEq:15 mL=30 mEq:𝑥 mL20mEq:15mL=30mEq:xmL

Cross multiply:

20×𝑥=15×3020×x=15×30

20𝑥=45020x=450

Now, solve for 𝑥x:

𝑥=45020x=20450

𝑥=22.5x=22.5

So, the nurse should administer approximately 22.5 mL of potassium chloride.

Rounded to the nearest whole number, this would be 23 mL.

Therefore, the nurse should administer 23 mL of potassium chloride.

A. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Therefore, vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin in cases of over-anticoagulation. It does not reverse the effects of heparin.

B. Deferoxamine: Deferoxamine is a chelating agent used to treat iron toxicity and aluminum overload. It is not indicated for reversing the effects of heparin.

C. Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is used as an antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. It is not indicated for reversing the effects of heparin.

D. Protamine sulfate: This is the correct answer. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin. It works by binding to heparin to form a stable complex, thereby neutralizing its anticoagulant effects. Protamine sulfate is commonly used in clinical practice to reverse the effects of heparin in situations such as hemorrhage or when rapid reversal of anticoagulation is needed, such as before surgery.