Question

The client is receiving heparin for thrombophlebitis of the left lower extremity. Which of the following drugs reverses the effects of heparin? A. Cyanocobalamine B. Protamine sulfate C. Streptokinase D. Sodium warfarin

Short answer

Answer: Protamine sulfate

Step-by-step solution

Understand the problem

First, we need to understand what thrombophlebitis is and what heparin does. Thrombophlebitis refers to inflammation and blood clot formation in a vein, usually in the leg. Heparin is an anticoagulant, which prevents blood clots from forming and is commonly used to treat this condition.

Review given options

Next, we need to analyze each drug provided in the options to find the one that reverses the effects of heparin. The listed drugs are: A. Cyanocobalamine B. Protamine sulfate C. Streptokinase D. Sodium warfarin

Eliminate unrelated options

We can now eliminate the drugs that are not related to heparin or blood clotting process: A. Cyanocobalamine (also known as Vitamin B12) is involved in the proper function and development of the brain, nerves, and blood cells, but it does not affect the blood clotting process directly. C. Streptokinase is a thrombolytic agent that dissolves existing thrombi in blood vessels, rather than reversing the effects of an anticoagulant like heparin. D. Sodium warfarin is another anticoagulant and does not reverse the effects of heparin. Instead, it works by interfering with the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. At this point, only option B remains.

Choose the correct answer

B. Protamine sulfate is the correct choice because it effectively neutralizes heparin's anticoagulant action by binding to the drug, resulting in the formation of a stable complex that has no anticoagulant activity. Thus, protamine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of heparin. In conclusion, the drug that reverses the effects of heparin is Protamine sulfate (Option B).