A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombophlebitis and is receiving Heparin by continuous IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

A. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot.": Oral anticoagulants like warfarin also do not dissolve existing clots. They work similarly to heparin by preventing the formation of new clots and allowing the body’s natural fibrinolytic mechanisms to break down existing ones over time. B. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming.": This is the most accurate explanation. Heparin is an anticoagulant that enhances antithrombin activity, inhibiting clotting factors and preventing clot propagation, but it does not actively lyse or dissolve clots. C. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level.": Heparin given intravenously has a rapid onset of action, often within minutes. Therapeutic levels are typically reached quickly with continuous infusion, so this statement is inaccurate. D. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question.": While pharmacists are valuable for drug-related questions, nurses are expected to provide basic patient education regarding medications, including mechanism of action, especially during bedside care.