A patient who has been anticoagulated with warfarin (Coumadin) has been admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding. The history and physical examination indicates that the patient may have taken too much warfarin. The nurse anticipates that the patient will receive which antidote?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin (Coumadin) toxicity. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (II, VII, IX, X) in the liver. In cases of excessive anticoagulation and bleeding, administering vitamin K can help reverse the effects of warfarin by replenishing the depleted vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Vitamin K helps the liver produce clotting factors, thereby promoting the clotting process and reversing the excessive anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Other options mentioned, such as Vitamin E, Protamine sulfate, and Potassium chloride, are not appropriate antidotes for warfarin toxicity.