Question

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

Option 1: Insert the needle at a 15° angle.
Option 2: Aspirate for blood return prior to administration.
Option 3: Administer the medication into the abdomen.
Option 4: Massage the site following the injection.

Answer 1

The correct instruction to include when teaching a client about self-administering heparin is to administer the medication into the abdomen, as this location reduces discomfort and the likelihood of bruising. A nurse should also advise against massaging the site after the injection and not to aspirate for blood return for subcutaneous injections.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client about self-administering heparin, it's essential to include correct instructions to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the medication. Among the options provided, the correct instruction the nurse should include is to administer the medication into the abdomen. This location is preferred as it has fewer blood vessels and nerve endings, reducing the likelihood of pain and bruising. The medication should be injected into the subcutaneous tissue, which is why the abdomen is an excellent site for injection. Other important points for self-administering heparin include: choosing a site at least two inches away from the navel, alternating sites to prevent skin breakdown, not rubbing the site after injection, and avoiding injections into areas where the skin is bruised, red, or hard. The correct angle of needle insertion for a subcutaneous injection is typically 45 to 90 degrees, depending on the length of the needle and the patient's body mass.

It's not recommended to aspirate for blood return with subcutaneous injections or to massage the site following the injection as this can cause the medication to absorb too quickly and potentially lead to bruising.

Answer 2

When teaching a client about self-administering heparin, the nurse should instruct them to insert the needle at a 45° angle, not aspirate for blood return prior to administration, administer the medication into the fatty tissue of the abdomen, and not massage the site following the injection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should provide the following instruction when teaching a client about self-administering heparin:

1. Insert the needle at a 45° angle.
2. Do not aspirate for blood return prior to administration.
3. Administer the medication into the fatty tissue of the abdomen.
4. Do not massage the site following the injection.

Inserting the needle at a 45° angle helps ensure proper subcutaneous administration of heparin. Aspirating for blood return is not necessary for subcutaneous injections. Administering the medication into the fatty tissue of the abdomen is a common method for heparin administration. Massaging the site after the injection can cause hematoma formation. It is important for the nurse to provide accurate and specific instructions to the client to ensure safe and effective self-administration of heparin.