Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis and has been on heparin continuous infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribed warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements would the nurse make?

A. Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level
B. I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today
C. Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots
D. The IV heparin increase the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay

Answer 1

Both heparin and warfarin are necessary because they work together to treat deep vein thrombosis. Heparin is used to prevent new blood clots, while warfarin is used to dissolve existing clots.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, both heparin and warfarin are necessary because they work together to treat deep vein thrombosis. Heparin is an intravenous (IV) anticoagulant that works quickly to prevent new blood clots from forming. Warfarin, on the other hand, is an oral anticoagulant that takes several days to reach a therapeutic level. It is used to prevent further clot formation and dissolve existing clots. Therefore, the IV heparin will be continued until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level.