Final answer:
The correct approach to administering heparin subcutaneously is to never aspirate as it might cause tissue trauma, and aspirating is not necessary for these types of injections. Instead, the nurse should inject the heparin without aspiration, avoiding massage post-injection to prevent bruising.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option is C:
When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse should not aspirate because heparin is given into the fatty tissue under the skin, and aspiration is not necessary for subcutaneous injections. Aspiration might cause trauma or injury to the tissue. The technique for administering subcutaneous injections includes choosing an appropriate site (such as the abdomen, away from the navel), cleaning the site with an alcohol swab, pinching the skin to make a fold, inserting the needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle depending on the patient's body build, and injecting the medication at a steady pace. Once the medication is administered, the nurse should release the pinched skin and then remove the needle. It is also crucial to avoid massaging the site post-injection as this could increase heparin absorption and lead to bruising. Instead, gently pressing a cotton ball or gauze onto the site to stop any bleeding that may occur is recommended. Repeating patient education on correct administration methods is essential for ensuring proper technique and minimizing potential complications related to heparin injections.