A patient has a cold, pale, pulseless leg with sudden pain. What is the first drug given while awaiting the vascular surgeons?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Intravenous unfractionated heparin
- Step 1: Acute limb ischaemia is a vascular emergency. Step 2. Heparin stops the clot from spreading until revascularisation. Answer: Intravenous unfractionated heparin. Why not the others: Aspirin alone is not enough. Thrombolysis is selected by the vascular team. Warfarin takes days to act.
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