& x20;What is the antidote for a heparin overdose?

NORCET 1 - 2020

Pharmacology

Easy

What is the antidote for a heparin overdose?

Appeared in: NORCET 1 - 2020

The question asks for the specific antidote for heparin overdose, which is a direct knowledge-recall item in pharmacology.
Protamine sulfate is the correct answer as it is the specific pharmacological antagonist for heparin.
It functions as a chemical antagonist. Protamine is a strongly basic (positively charged) peptide that binds to the strongly acidic (negatively charged) heparin molecule.
This binding forms a stable and inactive salt complex, which neutralizes the anticoagulant activity of heparin.
The onset of action is very rapid, occurring within 5 minutes of intravenous administration.

Option B: Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist and has no effect on the coagulation cascade or heparin.
Option C: Vitamin K is an antidote for a different class of anticoagulants, the coumarins, not heparin.
Option D: Acetylcysteine is used to treat acetaminophen toxicity and has no role in reversing heparin's effects.

Visual 1: Chart: A chart or table listing common drugs/toxins and their specific antidotes (e.g., Heparin -> Protamine Sulfate; Warfarin -> Vitamin K; Opioids -> Naloxone; Benzodiazepines -> Flumazenil). This visual aid helps in memorizing critical pairs for emergency situations.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidotes for Drug Overdose as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowing the correct antidote is a critical patient safety competency for nurses. Administering the wrong antidote can be ineffective and potentially harmful.
In a clinical setting, before administering protamine sulfate, the nurse must confirm the heparin overdose, monitor for signs of active bleeding (e.g., hematuria, melena, petechiae), and check the patient's latest aPTT levels.
Nurses must administer protamine sulfate slowly via IV infusion, as rapid injection can cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, and anaphylactoid reactions.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question, common in pharmacology.
First, identify the key drug in the question stem: 'heparin'.
Next, identify the core task: find the 'antidote'.
Mentally access your knowledge of anticoagulants and their reversal agents.
Evaluate each option: A) Protamine sulfate is known to reverse heparin. B) Naloxone is for opioids. C) Vitamin K is for warfarin. D) Acetylcysteine is for acetaminophen.
Select the option that correctly matches the drug and its antidote.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q6HJOVXx7yLIr19QvfaP5Q

Practise the full NORCET 1 - 2020

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