A patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is going to be weaned from intravenous heparin. When does the nurse anticipate that oral warfarin sodium should be prescribed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oral warfarin sodium takes several days to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream and therefore should be started four to five days before discontinuing heparin. This allows for overlap and prevents a gap in anticoagulation therapy. Option A is incorrect because starting warfarin the same day as discontinuing heparin increases the risk of thrombosis. Option B is incorrect because warfarin should be started before discontinuing heparin. Option D is incorrect because warfarin is not started the same day as heparin, but rather before discontinuing heparin.

A Patient with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Is Going