Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has a deep - vein thrombosis (dvt) and has been taking unfractionated heparin for 1 week. two days ago, the provider also prescribed warfarin. the client asks the nurse about receiving both heparin and warfarin at the same time. which of the following statements should the nurse make?
a \i will remind your provider that you are already receiving heparin.\
b \your laboratory findings indicated that two anticoagulants were needed.\
c \it takes 3 to 4 days before the therapeutic effects of warfarin are achieved, and then the heparin can be discontinued.\
d \only one of these medications is being given to treat your deep - vein thrombosis.\

Explanation:

Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin - K dependent clotting factors. It has a slow onset of action, taking 3 - 4 days to reach a therapeutic level. Unfractionated heparin has a rapid onset of action. So, when starting warfarin for a client with DVT (who is already on heparin), heparin is continued until warfarin reaches its therapeutic effect.

Answer:

C. "It takes 3 to 4 days before the therapeutic effects of warfarin are achieved, and then the heparin can be discontinued."