A patient is being discharged from the healthcare facility following surgical replacement of a mitral valve with a mechanical valve. The patient asks the nurse how much longer he will need to take warfarin (Coumadin). What is the nurse's best response?
1. "You will be on it for the rest of your life because you have a mechanical valve."
2. "That will depend on your surgeon. Ask her when you go to your office visit."
3. "You will be on it for the rest of your life because you have a biologic tissue valve."
4. "You will be told when to stop, usually when your mechanical prosthetic valve is healed and there is a minimal risk of clots."
Correct Answer: 1
Long-term anticoagulation is necessary with a mechanical prosthetic valve, due to the risk of development of clots on the valve. Biologic tissue valves have a low risk of thrombus formation and long-term anticoagulation is rarely necessary. The nurse should address the patient's question.
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