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.Insert the needle at a 15° angle.
B.Aspirate for blood return before administration.
C.Administer the medication into the abdomen.
D.Massage the site following the injection.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to administer the medication into the abdomen and massage the site following the injection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following instruction in the teaching:

1. Administer the medication into the abdomen. Heparin is commonly self-administered by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen.
2. Massage the site following the injection. Massaging the site after the injection helps promote absorption and dispersal of the medication.

Answer 2

Administer the medication into the abdomen. This route ensures optimal absorption of heparin during self-administration, aligning with best practices for subcutaneous injections.Thus the option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Heparin is an anticoagulant medication, and subcutaneous administration into the abdomen is a common and appropriate route for self-administration. This method provides a large surface area with good blood flow, allowing for consistent absorption. The abdomen is preferred over other subcutaneous sites for heparin administration due to its relatively predictable absorption rate.

Administering heparin at a 15° angle (Option A) is not necessary. Subcutaneous injections, including heparin, are typically given at a 45 to 90-degree angle, and a 15° angle may not reach the subcutaneous tissue appropriately.

Aspirating for blood return (Option B) is not recommended for subcutaneous heparin injections. Aspirating is essential for intramuscular injections to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel, but for subcutaneous heparin, it may increase the risk of tissue damage and bleeding.

Massaging the site following injection (Option D) is generally not advised for heparin injections, as it may cause bruising or hematomas. The goal is to promote absorption without disrupting the subcutaneous tissue.

In summary, advising the client to administer heparin into the abdomen aligns with evidence-based practice, ensuring optimal absorption and minimizing complications associated with this anticoagulant medication.Thus the option C is correct.