Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has a deep vein thrombosis, who received IV heparin for the past 5 days, and now has a new prescription for oral warfarin in addition to the heparin. The client asks the nurse if both medications are necessary. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Heparin is used initially because it acts quickly. Warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels. Overlapping the two ensures continuous anticoagulation until warfarin is effective.