A patient diagnosed with pulmonary embolism is prescribed alteplase. The patient asks the nurse why an anticoagulant was not prescribed. How should the nurse respond?
A. Alteplase is an anticoagulant.
B. Thrombolytic drugs are used to remove thrombi that have already formed.
C. Anticoagulants are less desirable to be given with thrombotic disease.
D. Thrombolytics prevent thrombus formation.
