Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

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Study for the Pharmacology and Nursing Process Exam. Prepare with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your exam confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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For what reason is protamine sulfate administered in heparin overdose?

To increase the effect of heparin
To reverse heparin's anticoagulant properties
As a pain reliever
To act as a vitamin K antagonist

The correct answer is: To reverse heparin's anticoagulant properties

Protamine sulfate is administered in heparin overdose to reverse the anticoagulant properties of heparin. It works by binding to heparin and forming a stable complex that is then removed from circulation by the reticuloendothelial system. Option A is incorrect because protamine sulfate does not increase the effect of heparin, but rather counteracts it. Option C is incorrect because protamine sulfate is not used as a pain reliever. Option D is incorrect because protamine sulfate does not act as a vitamin K antagonist, which is the mechanism of action for drugs like warfarin.