What should be administered to a patient who has received an overdose of heparin?

In cases of heparin overdose, protamine is the appropriate treatment because it acts as a specific antidote to heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits blood clotting by enhancing the effect of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and factor Xa. When there is an overdose and excessive anticoagulation occurs, protamine can neutralize the anticoagulant effects of heparin by binding to it and forming a stable complex that inhibits its action. This allows the coagulation process to return to normal.

The administration of other medications listed does not address the effects of heparin overdose. Warfarin is another anticoagulant but would not be effective in reversing the effects of heparin. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is typically used to manage conditions such as hypertension or tachycardia, and it does not have any role in reversing anticoagulation. Calcium gluconate is a calcium supplement used in conditions like hypocalcemia or to protect the heart in cases of hyperkalemia, but it does not mitigate the effects of heparin. Therefore, protamine is the correct and specific treatment for heparin overdose.