Final answer:
It is true that heparin works immediately, whereas Coumadin takes several days to affect coagulation. Heparin acts fast by enhancing antithrombin activity, leading to rapid inactivation of key clotting factors. Coumadin, in contrast, slowly inhibits the synthesis of certain clotting factors dependent on vitamin K, thus requiring more time to be effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'heparin will work immediately, but the Coumadin takes several days to have an effect on coagulation' is true. Heparin is a fast-acting anticoagulant often used in situations where rapid prevention of blood clotting is necessary, such as in surgical patients at risk for blood clots. It works by enhancing the activity of antithrombin and can rapidly inactivate thrombin and factor Xa, which play critical roles in the coagulation process.
On the other hand, Coumadin (warfarin) works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, which takes several days to become effective. This is because it must wait for the pre-existing clotting factors to degrade naturally before the blood's coagulability decreases. Therefore, heparin and Coumadin have different onset times when it comes to their effects on coagulation.