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. Heparin does not dissolve clots. It prevents new clot formation and stops existing clots from growing, but it does not directly dissolve clots. Thrombolytic medications are used for clot dissolution. B. While pharmacists can provide additional information, the nurse should be able to explain that heparin prevents clot formation rather than dissolving existing clots. C. Heparin reaches a therapeutic blood level relatively quickly (within hours of administration), but it does not directly dissolve clots. It is used to prevent further clotting while the body naturally breaks down existing clots. D. Heparin works by inhibiting clot formation and preventing new clots from forming but does not dissolve clots. It is important to clarify this to the client.