Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A client is receiving heparin sodium 1000 units per hour via an infusion and warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO for thrombophlebitis in the left leg. The nurse educates the client that heparin and warfarin are prescribed together because:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Heparin acts quickly to prevent further clotting, while warfarin takes several days to become effective. Thus, heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until warfarin becomes effective.