QuestionDecember 15, 2025

Which medication would be administered before emergency surgery to a client taking heparin? Protamine Phenytoin Vitamin K Andexanet alfa

Which medication would be administered before emergency surgery to a client taking heparin? Protamine Phenytoin Vitamin K Andexanet alfa
Which medication would be administered before emergency surgery to a client taking heparin?
Protamine
Phenytoin
Vitamin K
Andexanet alfa

Solution
4.1(194 votes)

Answer

Protamine Explanation 1. Identify the drug to reverse The client is taking **heparin**, an anticoagulant that inhibits clotting by enhancing antithrombin activity. 2. Determine the antidote The specific antidote to reverse the effects of **heparin** is **protamine sulfate**, which binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effect. 3. Eliminate incorrect options - **Phenytoin**: Anticonvulsant, not related to heparin reversal. - **Vitamin K**: Reverses **warfarin**, not heparin. - **Andexanet alfa**: Reverses Factor Xa inhibitors (e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban), not heparin.

Explanation

1. Identify the drug to reverse<br /> The client is taking **heparin**, an anticoagulant that inhibits clotting by enhancing antithrombin activity.<br /><br />2. Determine the antidote<br /> The specific antidote to reverse the effects of **heparin** is **protamine sulfate**, which binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effect.<br /><br />3. Eliminate incorrect options<br /> - **Phenytoin**: Anticonvulsant, not related to heparin reversal. <br /> - **Vitamin K**: Reverses **warfarin**, not heparin. <br /> - **Andexanet alfa**: Reverses Factor Xa inhibitors (e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban), not heparin.
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