Nokea
A patient has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) in addition to a heparin infusion. The patient asks the nurse why he has to be on two medications. The nurse™s response is based on which rationale?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Heparin is a fast-acting, short-term anticoagulant that is often used to rapidly initiate anticoagulation in situations where immediate blood thinning is necessary, such as in patients with certain medical conditions or undergoing procedures. On the other hand, warfarin (Coumadin) is a slower-acting, longer-term anticoagulant that takes time to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. By using heparin to start anticoagulation, the patient is protected against clot formation while waiting for the warfarin to reach adequate levels to provide ongoing anticoagulation therapy. This approach minimizes the risk of clot formation during the transition period between medications.