A nurse cares for a patient recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery. The patient asks, "Why will I need to take anticoagulants for the rest of my life?" What is the best response by the nurse?

"Blood clots form more easily in mechanical replacement valves."

"The vein taken from your leg reduces circulation in the leg."

"The valve replacement surgery left a lot of small clots in your heart and lungs."

"The mechanical valve places you at greater risk for a heart attack."