The nurse is caring for a patient who needs emergency surgery. The patient's history includes daily use of Coumadin (warfarin). Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate being ordered?
A) Dilantin (phenytoin)
B) Vitamin K (phytonadione)
C) Luminal (phenobarbital)
D) Protamine sulfate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coumadin (warfarin) is an anticoagulant medication that works by blocking the production of clotting factors in the liver. In the case of emergency surgery, it is necessary to reverse the anticoagulant effect of Coumadin to avoid excessive bleeding during surgery. Vitamin K (phytonadione) is commonly used to reverse the effects of Coumadin by promoting the production of clotting factors. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate that vitamin K will be ordered for this patient. Dilantin (phenytoin) is an antiepileptic medication and has no role in reversing the effects of Coumadin. Luminal (phenobarbital) is a barbiturate medication that can be used to treat seizure disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. Protamine sulfate is a medication used to reverse the effects of heparin, another type of anticoagulant medication, and is not effective in reversing the effects of Coumadin.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Needs Emergency