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

A. "I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today." – Discontinuing heparin too early would leave the client without adequate anticoagulation, as warfarin takes several days to become effective. B. "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots." – Anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin do not dissolve clots; they prevent further clot formation and allow the body to naturally break down existing clots. C. "Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level." – Warfarin requires 3–5 days to reach a therapeutic INR, so heparin is continued during this overlap to maintain continuous anticoagulation and prevent clot extension or embolism. D. "The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay." – Heparin does not enhance warfarin’s effect, and this combination is not used to shorten hospital stay but to ensure safe anticoagulation during the transition.