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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inspecting crutches to ensure rubber tips are intact is important for safety, but it does not indicate an understanding of proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves more than just equipment inspection.
Choice B rationale
Practicing bicep and triceps isometric exercises can help strengthen the muscles needed for crutch walking, but it does not directly demonstrate an understanding of the correct crutch gait. The focus should be on the actual technique of using the crutches.
Choice C rationale
Bearing body weight on the palms of hands during the crutch gait is the correct behavior that indicates an understanding of proper crutch walking. This technique helps distribute weight appropriately and prevents strain on the underarms, which can cause nerve damage and discomfort.
Choice D rationale
Progressing to foot touchdown and weight bearing of the affected leg is not appropriate for a three-point gait, which is used when the client should not bear any weight on the affected leg. This choice indicates a misunderstanding of the correct crutch walking technique for this specific gait.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes is not the most important intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client’s reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.
Choice B rationale
This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client’s heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client’s renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.
Choice D rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client’s neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.