A patient receiving intravenous heparin (Liquaemin) therapy receives a first dose of warfarin (Coumadin). The patient asks the health care provider when the heparin drip will be discontin-ued
Review the following responses and select the one which is accurate.
a. Immediately
b. In 1-2 hours
c. In 12-24 hours
d. In 48-72 hours
ANS: D
Although the anticoagulant effects of warfarin begin in 8-12 hours, its peak effects do not occur for 48-72 hours. This is because the drug has no effect on existing clotting factors, which take from 6 to 60 hours to decay in the blood stream.
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