Antidote of heparin?

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Protamine sulphate is the specific antidote for heparin.
It is a positively charged molecule that binds to the negatively charged heparin molecule.
This binding forms a stable, inactive complex, which neutralizes heparin's anticoagulant effect.
The reversal of heparin's effects by protamine is rapid, occurring within 5 minutes of intravenous administration.

Option A: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, an oral anticoagulant, not for heparin.
Option B: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug used to treat symptomatic bradycardia or certain types of poisoning; it does not affect blood clotting.
Option D: Warfarin is an anticoagulant itself, which works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Giving it would worsen, not reverse, the effects of an anticoagulant overdose.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidotes for Anticoagulants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must know the correct antidotes for anticoagulants to manage bleeding emergencies promptly.
When administering protamine sulphate, it must be given as a slow IV infusion (over at least 10 minutes) to prevent severe hypotension, bradycardia, and anaphylactoid reactions.
After administering protamine, the nurse should monitor the patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), vital signs, and for any signs of bleeding to assess the effectiveness of the reversal.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the specific antidote to the drug 'heparin'.
This is a factual recall question from pharmacology.
Mentally review the common anticoagulants and their specific reversal agents.
Evaluate each option: Vitamin K is for warfarin, Atropine is for bradycardia, Protamine sulphate is for heparin, and Warfarin is another anticoagulant.
Select the option that correctly matches the drug (heparin) with its antidote.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 108-110, 123-125

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 958-960

Practise the full BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.