The nurse is teaching the client to self-administer a dose of low molecular weight heparin SUBQ. Which instruction should the nurse include?
Expel the air in the prefilled syringe prior to injection.
Rotate injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas.
Massage the injection site to increase absorption.
Inject in the abdominal area at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Expelling the air in the prefilled syringe prior to injection is not recommended for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) administration. The air bubble in the prefilled syringe helps ensure the entire dose is delivered and prevents leakage of the medication. Removing the air bubble can lead to an incomplete dose and reduced efficacy of the medication.
Choice B rationale
Rotating injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas is not recommended for LMWH administration. The preferred site for LMWH injections is the abdominal area, specifically at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus. This site provides better absorption and reduces the risk of complications such as hematoma formation.
Choice C rationale
Massaging the injection site to increase absorption is not recommended for LMWH administration. Massaging the site can cause bruising and hematoma formation, which can be painful and may affect the absorption of the medication. It is important to avoid massaging the injection site to minimize these risks.
Choice D rationale
Injecting in the abdominal area at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus is the correct instruction for LMWH administration. This site provides optimal absorption and reduces the risk of complications. The abdominal area has a good blood supply, which helps in the effective absorption of the medication. Additionally, injecting at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus helps avoid the umbilical area, which is more prone to bruising and discomfort.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Wearing gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe is a good practice to prevent needlestick injuries and contamination. However, it is not the primary action that indicates an understanding of standard precautions. Standard precautions emphasize hand hygiene as the most critical step in preventing infection transmission.
Choice B rationale
Donning a face mask before administering the medication is not necessary for standard precautions in home settings. Face masks are typically used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, but they are not required for routine medication administration at home.
Choice C rationale
Washing hands before handling the needle and syringe is a fundamental aspect of standard precautions. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections and is a critical step in ensuring safe injection practices.
Choice D rationale
Removing the needle before discarding used syringes is not recommended. The entire needle and syringe should be disposed of in a sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries and contamination.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ensuring the bevel of the needle is pointing up is crucial when administering an intradermal injection. This technique allows the medication to be deposited just below the surface of the skin, creating a small bleb or wheal. This is important for the proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the site gently after injection is not recommended for intradermal injections. Massaging can cause the medication to spread into the subcutaneous tissue, which can affect the accuracy of the test results or the effectiveness of the medication.
Choice C rationale
Holding the syringe perpendicular to the skin is not appropriate for intradermal injections. Intradermal injections should be administered at a 5 to 15-degree angle to ensure the medication is deposited just below the surface of the skin.
Choice D rationale
Selecting the upper arm as the injection site is not the best practice for intradermal injections. The preferred sites for intradermal injections are the inner surface of the forearm and the upper back below the scapula.