Final answer:
To prepare for administering a subcutaneous heparin injection, a nurse must follow a clear protocol that includes verifying the procedure name, confirming needle and instrument counts, labeling specimens correctly, and checking for equipment issues, which enhances the safety and effectiveness of the patient's care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is preparing to inject heparin subcutaneously (SQ) for a postoperative client, certain protocols must be strictly followed to ensure both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. First of all, the nurse should review the procedure to be performed aloud with the team. This review includes confirming the name of the procedure as recorded. Additionally, the nurse needs to ensure that the needle, sponge, and instrument counts are either complete or marked as not applicable. If there is a specimen involved, it must be correctly labeled with the patient's name. The nurse should also check whether there are any equipment issues that need to be addressed before commencement of the injection.
This protocol is similar in concept to a checklist used by Dr. Pronovost in ICU settings to reduce procedure-related infections, which proved to be very effective. Dr. Pronovost's checklist for central intravenous line insertion was quintessential in improving patient safety standards. It underscores the importance of such checklists in medical procedures, ensuring every step is followed meticulously and empowering nurses to observe and speak up if a step is skipped.