A client is receiving heparin (Heplock) therapy, and serious ...

[shofmannx20]

A client is receiving heparin (Heplock) therapy, and serious hemorrhage occurs. Which medication should the nurse administer to reverse the effects of heparin (Heplock)?
 
  1. Vitamin K
  2. Desirudin (Iprivask)
  3. Potassium
  4. Protamine sulfate

Question 2

The physician prescribes a newer antithrombin medication that is given subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to hip replacement surgery for prophylaxis of DVT. Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering to this client?
 
  1. Argatroban (Acova)
  2. Lepirudin (Refludan)
  3. Desirudin (Iprivask)
  4. Bivalirudin (Angiomax)

[ApricotDream]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

Rationale 1: Vitamin K is incorrect because it reverses the effect of warfarin (Coumadin).
Rationale 2: Desirudin (Iprivask) is incorrect because this medication is a newer antithrombin medication that is given subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to hip replacement surgery for prophylaxis of DVT.
Rationale 3: Potassium is incorrect because it does not reverse the effects of heparin.
Rationale 4: If serious hemorrhage occurs, a specific blocker, protamine sulfate, may be administered to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of heparin. Protamine sulfate has an onset time of 5 minutes, and is also a blocker of the LMWHs.

Global Rationale: If serious hemorrhage occurs, a specific blocker, protamine sulfate, may be administered to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of heparin. Protamine sulfate has an onset time of 5 minutes, and is also a blocker of the LMWHs. Vitamin K is incorrect because it reverses the effect of warfarin (Coumadin). Desirudin (Iprivask) is incorrect because this medication is a newer antithrombin medication that is given subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to hip replacement surgery for prophylaxis of DVT. Potassium is incorrect because it does not reverse the effects of heparin.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

Rationale 1: Argatroban (Acova) is incorrect because argatroban and lepirudin are indicated for prevention or treatment of low platelet counts induced by heparin therapy.
Rationale 2: Lepirudin (Refludan) is incorrect because argatroban and lepirudin are indicated for prevention or treatment of low platelet counts induced by heparin therapy.
Rationale 3: Desirudin (Iprivask) is a newer antithrombin medication that is given subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to hip replacement surgery for prophylaxis of DVT.
Rationale 4: Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is incorrect because bivalirudin is administered in combination with aspirin to prevent thrombi in patients undergoing angioplasty.

Global Rationale: Desirudin (Iprivask) is a newer antithrombin medication that is given subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to hip replacement surgery for prophylaxis of DVT. Argatroban (Acova) is incorrect because argatroban and lepirudin are indicated for prevention or treatment of low platelet counts induced by heparin therapy. Lepirudin (Refludan) is incorrect because argatroban and lepirudin are indicated for prevention or treatment of low platelet counts induced by heparin therapy. Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is incorrect because bivalirudin is administered in combination with aspirin to prevent thrombi in patients undergoing angioplasty.