A patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is going to be weaned from intravenous heparin. The nurse anticipates that oral warfarin sodium should be prescribed

Question

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Oral warfarin sodium typically takes four to five days to reach its full therapeutic effect, so it should be prescribed four to five days before discontinuing intravenous heparin. This allows for overlapping anticoagulant therapy and reduces the risk of recurrent DVT. The patient should be closely monitored during this transition period. Starting warfarin the same day as discontinuing heparin can increase the risk of thrombosis. Waiting until the day before discharge may not provide enough time for therapeutic levels to be achieved.

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