Question

Intravenous heparin therapy is prescribed for a client. While implementing this prescription, the nurse ensures that which medication is available on the nursing unit?

1. Vitamin K
2.Protamine sulfate
3.Potassium chloride
4.Aminocaproic acid

Answer 1

A nurse must keep aminocaproic acid available when administering intravenous heparin therapy, to rapidly counteract excessive anticoagulation and prevent bleeding complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client is prescribed intravenous heparin therapy, a nurse must ensure that aminocaproic acid is available on the nursing unit. Heparin is a short-acting anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the conversion of prothrombin (factor II) to thrombin. In case of an overdose or excessive anticoagulation, aminocaproic acid can be administered to counteract the effects of heparin and prevent potential bleeding complications. It works by inhibiting the enzymes that dissolve blood clots, providing a rapid reversal of the anticoagulant effects if necessary.

Providing rapid response to adverse effects is crucial in maintaining patient safety, especially in critical care settings. This ready availability of reversal agents like aminocaproic acid for anticoagulant therapies is part of standard medical protocols to manage potential complications such as excessive bleeding.