Why does a patient who had a thrombotic incident receive both heparin and Coumadin for 4-5 days before heparin is discontinued?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coumadin (warfarin) takes several days to achieve its full anticoagulant effect because it works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which have varying half-lives. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation until Coumadin becomes effective.

Why Does a Patient Who Had a Thrombotic Incident Receive