Warfarin skin necrosis occurs within the first 2 to 3 days after starting warfarin therapy because: ...

ANS: B
Protein C has a 6-hour half-life, and so it rapidly decreases when warfarin therapy is begun, along with factor VII (both are vitamin Kdependent proteins). Full anticoagulation with warfarin is not obtained until factors X and prothrombin are decreased to less than 50, requANS: B
Protein C has a 6-hour half-life, and so it rapidly decreases when warfarin therapy is begun, along with factor VII (both are vitamin Kdependent proteins). Full anticoagulation with warfarin is not obtained until factors X and prothrombin are decreased to less than 50, requiring 4 to 7 days based on their half-lives. Because protein C is important in controlling clot formation, its decrease actually puts the patient in a prethrombotic state until full anticoagulation is obtained.
iring 4 to 7 days based on their half-lives. Because protein C is important in controlling clot formation, its decrease actually puts the patient in a prethrombotic state until full anticoagulation is obtained.