Kate, who has undergone mitral valve replacement, suddenly experiences continuous bleeding from the surgical incision during the postoperative period. Which of the following pharmaceutical agents should Nurse Aiza prepare to administer to Kate?
A. Protamine Sulfate
B. Quinidine Sulfate
C. Vitamin C
D. Coumadin
Correct Answer: A. Protamine Sulfate
Protamine Sulfate is used to prevent continuous bleeding in a client who has undergone open heart surgery. Protamine is a medication used to reverse and neutralize the anticoagulant effects of heparin. Protamine is the specific antagonist that neutralizes heparin-induced anticoagulation. Protamine is a strongly alkaline (nearly two-thirds of the amino acid composition is arginine) polycationic low-molecular-weight protein found in salmon sperm that is also currently available in a recombinant form.
Option B: Quinidine sulfate is used to treat or prevent many types of irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation. Quinidine can greatly improve the ability to perform normal activities by decreasing the number of irregular heartbeats. However, it may not stop all irregular heartbeats completely. It works by blocking abnormal heartbeat signals.
Option C: Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has several important functions: helping to protect cells and keeping them healthy, maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage, and helping with wound healing.
Option D: Coumadin is used to treat blood clots and/or prevent new clots from forming in the body. Preventing harmful blood clots helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Conditions that increase the risk of developing blood clots include a certain type of irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), heart valve replacement, recent heart attack, and certain surgeries (such as hip/knee replacement).