Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client about self-administering heparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

a. Assist the client into a prone position.
b. Place a sleeve over the top of each leg with the opening at the knee.
c. Make sure two fingers can fit under the sleeves.
d. Set the ankle pressure at 65 mm Hg.

Answer 1

The proper instructions for self-administering heparin involve subcutaneous injections, proper cleaning of the injection site, correct needle insertion, and safe disposal of needles. The instructions provided in the question do not pertain to heparin injections.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client about self-administering heparin, it is important to include the correct technique and precautions to avoid complications. The instructions provided in the question describe a different medical procedure related to blood pressure measurement and intravenous therapy, which do not apply to heparin injections. Self-administering heparin usually involves subcutaneous injections, which means the drug is injected into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle. Here are some proper instructions for self-administering heparin:

• Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Pinch an area of skin on the abdomen, avoiding sites within 2 inches of the navel.
• Insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle and inject the prescribed dose.
• Do not rub the injection site afterward to minimize bruising.

The patient should also be taught how to safely dispose of needles and syringes, and to alternate injection sites to prevent skin damage.