Pharm 52:
Anticoagulant,
Antiplatelet, and
Thrombolytic
Drugs 2024-2025
The nurse is caring for a patient who has
received a thrombolytic and is experiencing
excessive bleeding. Which medication would
the nurse expect to administer?
vitamin k
factor VIII
protamine sulfate
aminocaporic acid
, aminocaproic acid
In the patient with excessive bleeding due to
the use of a thrombolytic, the drug should be
stopped and the patient given packed red
blood cells and fresh-frozen plasma (because
they contain clotting factors). If bleeding
continues after these actions, then
aminocaproic acid can be given to reverse
the excessive fibrinolysis caused by the
thrombolytic.
A patient is experiencing heparin overdose.
Which medication would the nurse prepare to
administer?
vitamin K
factor VIII
antihistamine
protamine sulfate
protamine sulfate
The antidote for heparin overdose, protamine
sulfate, is indicated. Protamine immediately
neutralizes the heparin, and the action lasts
about 2 hours. After 2 hours, additional
protamine may be indicated, depending on
the aPTT levels.