The nurse knows that which drug should be readily available in case a patient experiences a heparin overdose?

A. Coumadin: Coumadin (warfarin) is an oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K–dependent clotting factors. It is not effective in reversing the anticoagulant effects of heparin and would not be appropriate in the event of a heparin overdose. B. Protamine sulfate: Protamine sulfate is a heparin antagonist that binds to heparin to form a stable complex, neutralizing its anticoagulant effect. It is administered intravenously and acts rapidly, making it the drug of choice for treating heparin overdose or excessive anticoagulation. C. Enoxaparin: Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin and functions similarly to unfractionated heparin by enhancing antithrombin III activity. It is not an antidote and would worsen anticoagulation if administered during a heparin overdose. D. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of vitamin K–dependent anticoagulants such as warfarin. It has no direct effect on heparin-induced anticoagulation and is not suitable for managing heparin overdose.