A nurse is preparing to administer subcutaneous heparin to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Insert the needle at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus.
Aspirate before injecting the medication.
Massage the site after administering the medication.
Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Insert the needle at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus: Correct. Subcutaneous injections, including heparin, should be given in fatty tissue away from major blood vessels and bony prominences. The recommended sites are usually the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
B. Aspirate before injecting the medication: Incorrect. Aspiration is not required for subcutaneous injections because they are administered into the subcutaneous fat layer, not a blood vessel. Aspiration could cause trauma and discomfort to the client.
C. Massage the site after administering the medication: Incorrect. Massaging the site after administering heparin can cause bruising or discomfort. Instead, it's recommended to apply gentle pressure with a sterile gauze pad for a few seconds.
D. Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection: Incorrect. Subcutaneous injections are typically administered with smaller gauge needles, such as 25-30 gauge, to minimize pain and tissue damage.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You should anticipate taking medication to treat your disease for at least the next 3 years."
Incorrect Explanation: This statement is not accurate for the treatment duration of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Explanation: The standard treatment duration for active pulmonary tuberculosis involves taking a combination of medications for a period of 6 to 9 months, depending on the specific treatment regimen. Three years is not a typical timeframe for the treatment of active TB.
B. "You will need to undergo tuberculin skin tests every 6 months while taking medication for your disease."
Incorrect Explanation: Tuberculin skin tests are not typically performed as a routine part of TB medication management.
Explanation: Tuberculin skin tests (also known as Mantoux tests) are used to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection, not as a means to monitor medication management of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
C. "You will need to take two or more medications to treat your disease."
Correct Answer: This statement is appropriate and accurate for the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Explanation: The treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis usually involves a combination of antibiotics (usually four medications) to ensure effective treatment and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.
D. "You should report monthly to have your blood drawn to monitor kidney function while taking medication."
Incorrect Explanation: Monthly blood draws for kidney function monitoring are not standard practice for tuberculosis medication management.
Explanation: While kidney function monitoring might be necessary for certain medications, it is not a standard requirement for all tuberculosis medications. Monitoring kidney function is important, but the frequency and need for blood draws may vary based on individual patient factors and the specific medications prescribed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Peanuts:
While peanut allergies can be severe and life-threatening, they are not a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccines are not made with peanut-derived ingredients and do not pose a risk to individuals with peanut allergies.
B. Milk:
Milk allergies are not a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccines are typically free of milk-derived ingredients and do not contain significant amounts of milk proteins that would trigger an allergic reaction in individuals with milk allergies.
C. Shellfish:
Shellfish allergies are not a contraindication to receiving the influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccines are not derived from shellfish and do not contain shellfish proteins that could cause an allergic reaction in individuals with shellfish allergies.
D. Eggs:
This is the correct choice. In the past, some influenza vaccines were prepared using egg-based methods, which could pose a risk to individuals with severe egg allergies. However, most modern influenza vaccines, including those approved for administration in the United States, have extremely low egg protein content. The majority of individuals with egg allergies can safely receive the influenza vaccine, but those with a history of severe egg allergy may still need to consult with their healthcare provider before vaccination.
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