The nurse discovers a patient receiving warfarin is bleeding.What drug would the nurse prepare to counteract this drug?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleVitamin E is an antioxidant and is not indicated to counteract the effects of warfarin. It does not have a role in reversing anticoagulation or managing bleeding. High doses of Vitamin E can actually interfere with clotting and potentially exacerbate bleeding.Choice B rationaleProtamine Sulfate is an antidote for heparin, not warfarin. It works by neutralizing the effects of heparin, which is an anticoagulant that acts quickly to prevent clot formation. Warfarin works differently and requires a different antidote for its anticoagulant effect.Choice C rationaleCalcium Gluconate is not an antidote for warfarin. It is typically used in cases of hypocalcemia and can stabilize cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia but has no effect on reversing warfarin-induced anticoagulation or bleeding.Choice D rationaleVitamin K is the correct antidote for warfarin. It counteracts the anticoagulant effects by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors that warfarin inhibits. Administering Vitamin K is standard practice in reversing the effects of warfarin and managing bleeding complications.