Order: Heparin 6000 units subq

Dose on hand: Heparin 10,000 units/mL vial

Question: How many mL of heparin does the nurse administer?

A. Try not to swallow while the pill dissolves is correct because sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes under the tongue, and swallowing may hinder this absorption.

B. Take a big drink of water and swallow the pill is incorrect because sublingual medications should not be swallowed with water as they need to dissolve under the tongue.

C. Swallow frequently to get the best benefit is incorrect, as this can interfere with the absorption of the medication.

D. Chew the pill so it will dissolve faster is incorrect since chewing may destroy the sublingual formulation, preventing it from working as intended.

A. Increasing fluid intake may not alleviate the cramping and diarrhea, which are common side effects of magnesium citrate.

B. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea are expected side effects of magnesium citrate, and the patient can continue the medication unless symptoms become severe.

C. Discontinuing the medication should not be recommended unless the side effects are intolerable or the patient experiences severe reactions.

D. Switching to a different type of laxative is unnecessary unless the patient has contraindications to magnesium citrate or develops severe side effects.