A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about administering heparin to a client. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin."
"I will aspirate before administering the heparin."
"I will massage the site after the injecting the heparin."
"I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the injection."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
. "I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin." Is incorrect. Checking the client's INR (International Normalized Ratio) is essential, but it's more applicable for monitoring anticoagulants like warfarin, not heparin. Heparin's effect is typically monitored via activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa levels, not INR.
Choice B Reason:
"I will aspirate before administering the heparin." Is incorrect. Aspirating before administering heparin injections is not necessary because the medication is given subcutaneously or intravenously and not into a blood vessel.
Choice C Reason:
"I will massage the site after injecting the heparin." Is incorrect. Massaging the site after injecting heparin could increase the risk of bruising or hematoma formation at the injection site. It's generally advised to avoid massaging the area after a heparin injection to prevent tissue trauma.
Choice D Reason:
"I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the injection." Is correct. Applying pressure to the injection site for about a minute after administering heparin helps minimize the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation, especially with subcutaneous injections. This practice aids in reducing bleeding at the injection site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
INR (International Normalized Ratio) is incorrect. INR is a measurement used to monitor the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin. It assesses the blood's ability to clot. Filgrastim does not directly affect INR levels, so monitoring INR would not provide information about the effectiveness of filgrastim in stimulating white blood cell production.
Choice B Reason:
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is incorrect. BUN levels primarily indicate kidney function and hydration status. They are not directly influenced by filgrastim treatment. Monitoring BUN is essential for assessing kidney function but does not reflect the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy in increasing white blood cell counts.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count is correct. Filgrastim is a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells (WBCs), particularly neutrophils. Therefore, the key laboratory value to monitor for assessing the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy is the WBC count. An increase in the WBC count, particularly in the neutrophil count, signifies the intended therapeutic effect of filgrastim in boosting the immune system's response by increasing the production of these infection-fighting cells.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium level is incorrect. Potassium levels are crucial for heart and muscle function. While certain medications might affect potassium levels, filgrastim's primary action is on stimulating white blood cell production and does not directly impact potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is essential for overall health but does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of filgrastim treatment.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Oral is incorrect. Epoetin alfa is not typically administered orally because it would be broken down by digestive enzymes and not absorbed effectively from the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice B Reason:
Intravenous is correct. Epoetin alfa is a medication used to stimulate red blood cell production and is commonly administered intravenously. This route allows for rapid and efficient absorption of the medication into the bloodstream, enabling it to exert its effects effectively.
Choice C Reason:
Inhalation is incorrect. Inhalation is not a route used for epoetin alfa. This medication is intended for systemic effects rather than local effects in the respiratory system.
Choice D Reason:
Transdermal is incorrect. Transdermal administration involves absorption through the skin and is not suitable for epoetin alfa, which needs rapid and direct access to the bloodstream for its action on red blood cell production.

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