A Patient Has Been Prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) in Addition to a Heparin

Multiple Choice

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?

A) The oral and injection forms work synergistically.
B) The combination of heparin and an oral anticoagulant results in fewer adverse effects than heparin used alone.
C) The warfarin is used to reach an adequate level of anticoagulation when heparin alone is unable to do so.
D) Heparin is used to start anticoagulation so as to allow time for the blood levels of warfarin to reach adequate levels.