Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is to self-administer heparin subcutaneously. Which of the following responses by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A) "I should rub the injection site after giving myself the heparin."
B) "I can skip a dose if I feel lightheaded."
C) "I'll inject the heparin into the muscle for better absorption."
D) "I'll rotate injection sites and avoid the belly area."

Answer 1

The correct response by the client is to rotate injection sites and avoid the belly area, indicating an understanding of how to self-administer heparin subcutaneously. Rubbing the site, skipping doses, or injecting into muscle are incorrect methods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves a client who needs to self-administer heparin subcutaneously and is determining which response indicates they have understood the discharge teaching provided by the nurse. The correct response that the client should provide to indicate an understanding of the teaching is that they need to "rotate injection sites and avoid the belly area". It is incorrect to rub the injection site afterward as this can cause bruising, heparin should not be injected into the muscle but rather into the subcutaneous fat to ensure proper dosing and absorption, and doses should not be skipped based on symptoms like feeling lightheaded without consulting a healthcare professional. Moreover, careful handling of injections is also part of preventing infection by various pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), by using disposable syringes and needles and following proper infection control protocols. Rotating injection sites helps to prevent tissue damage and ensures consistent absorption of the medication.