Subcutaneous Heparin Administration.
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to minimize bleeding following the injection?
Use the Z-track method to administer the medication.
Grasp skin between thumb and forefinger throughout the injection.
Aspirate the syringe prior to injecting the heparin.
Gently massage the site following the injection.
The Correct Answer is B
When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse should grasp the skin between the thumb and forefinger throughout the injection to minimize bleeding following the injection.
Choice A is wrong because Use the Z-track method to administer the medication, is not the correct answer because the Z-track method is a technique used for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous injections.
Choice C is wrong because Aspirate the syringe prior to injecting the heparin, is not the correct answer because aspiration is not necessary when administering heparin subcutaneously.
Choice D is wrong because Gently massage the site following the injection, is not the correct answer because massaging the injection site can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Heparin therapy is used to prevent thrombus propagation and distal embolization while allowing the endogenous fibrinolytic system to dissolve existing clots in deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)1.
A reduction in calf circumference may indicate that the clot is dissolving and the therapy is effective.
Choice A is wrong because platelets within the expected reference range do not necessarily indicate that heparin therapy for DVT is effective.
Choice B is wrong because INR (International Normalized Ratio) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.
Choice C is wrong because the presence of pedal pulses bilaterally does not necessarily indicate that heparin therapy for DVT is effective.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Expired medications should not be used and should be disposed of properly. The best way to do this is to return them to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
Choice B is wrong because flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate the water supply and harm the environment.
Choice C is wrong because expired medications should not be placed back in the medication cart as they may accidentally be used.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the provider about expired medications is not necessary as it is the responsibility of the nurse to properly dispose of them.
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