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. "The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay.": Heparin does not enhance the effect of warfarin directly. Their mechanisms of action are different, and warfarin’s effect is delayed. Heparin is used to maintain anticoagulation until warfarin becomes effective. B. "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots.": Neither heparin nor warfarin dissolves existing clots; they prevent further clot formation and allow the body’s natural fibrinolytic system to break down clots. This statement misrepresents their action. 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 therapeutic INR levels due to its action on vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation, which is why it is continued until warfarin is therapeutic. D. "I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today.": Discontinuing heparin too soon places the patient at risk for clot progression or embolization, as warfarin will not yet be therapeutic. The nurse should understand and educate the patient about the rationale for overlap.