Why is a client on heparin prescribed warfarin?

A client on heparin is prescribed warfarin primarily because warfarin takes time to achieve its therapeutic effect—typically 2 to 3 days after starting treatment. Heparin is an anticoagulant that provides immediate effects, making it suitable for initial management of thromboembolic conditions. However, it does not have a long-term effect, and once the initial need is addressed, transitioning to warfarin is appropriate since warfarin can be taken orally and has a more extended duration of action. This transition usually occurs to ensure continuous anticoagulation once heparin is discontinued, especially since warfarin's full effects become evident only after several days.

Additionally, the time it takes for warfarin to become therapeutic is a key element in the management of anticoagulation therapy, necessitating the overlap with heparin until the desired INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels are reached on warfarin. This careful management is crucial to maintain adequate anticoagulation while transitioning between these medications.