Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Practice Exam

What is the antidote for Coumadin in case of overdose?

1. Vitamin D

2. Calcium

3. Vitamin K

4. Folic Acid

The correct answer is: Vitamin K

In cases of Coumadin (warfarin) overdose, vitamin K is the antidote used to reverse its anticoagulant effects. Coumadin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, which can increase the risk of bleeding. When an overdose occurs or when there is a need to quickly reverse the anticoagulation effect, administering vitamin K helps restore the levels of active clotting factors, therefore aiding in the clotting process and reducing the potential for serious bleeding complications. In practical applications, the dose of vitamin K may vary based on the severity of the overdose and the patient's clinical condition. It can be given orally or intravenously, depending on the urgency of the situation. In situations where rapid reversal is crucial, prothrombin complex concentrates might also be considered alongside vitamin K. Other options presented do not have any role in reversing the effects of Coumadin. For instance, vitamin D is primarily involved in calcium metabolism and does not influence clotting factors. Calcium plays a role in various physiological processes including muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release, but it does not directly counteract the effects of Coumadin. Folic acid is important in DNA synthesis and repair, particularly in cell division, but it does not