A Patient with a DVT Is Started on IV Heparin

A patient with a DVT is started on IV heparin and oral warfarin (Coumadin) . The patient asks the nurse why two medications are necessary. The nurse's best response to the patient is,

A) "Heparin will start to dissolve the clot, and Coumadin will prevent any more clots from occurring."
B) "Because of the potential for a pulmonary embolism, it is important for you to have more than one anticoagulant."
C) "The heparin will work immediately, but the Coumadin takes several days to have an effect on coagulation."
D) "Administration of two anticoagulants reduces the risk for recurrent deep vein thrombosis."