A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about administering heparin to a client. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin
"I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the Injection
I will massage the site after the injecting the heparin
I will aspirate before administering the heparin
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
A. I will check the client's INR before administering the heparin:
Checking the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is more relevant for monitoring the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Heparin is typically monitored by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa levels.
B. "I will apply pressure for 1 minute after the injection:"
Applying gentle pressure to the injection site for about 1 minute after administering heparin is appropriate to prevent bleeding or bruising. Since heparin is an anticoagulant, there's an increased risk of bleeding at the injection site.
C. I will massage the site after injecting the heparin:
Massaging the site after injecting heparin is not recommended. It can increase the risk of hematoma formation. After subcutaneous injection, it is generally advised to avoid massaging the site.
D. I will aspirate before administering the heparin:
Aspiration is not recommended when administering heparin subcutaneously, as it can increase the risk of tissue damage and bruising. The nurse should inject the heparin without aspirating.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. INR 1.0: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a measure of blood clotting. A value of 1.0 is within the normal range, so there is no immediate concern related to furosemide administration based on this INR value.
B. WBC count 8,000/mm³: The white blood cell count is not directly related to furosemide administration, and the value of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range. There is no immediate concern based on this WBC count.
C. Sodium 141 mEq/L: The sodium level is within the normal range, and it is not a contraindication for furosemide administration.
D. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, and administering it when the potassium level is already low can further decrease potassium levels, potentially leading to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication and contact the provider to address the low potassium level before administering furosemide.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Infiltration:
Infiltration refers to the inadvertent administration of a non-vesicant solution into the surrounding tissue. It is characterized by swelling, pallor, and coolness at the infusion site, but redness and inflammation along the vein are not typical signs of infiltration.
B. Extravasation:
Extravasation occurs when a vesicant solution (a substance that can cause tissue damage) infiltrates into the surrounding tissue. It can cause tissue damage and necrosis. While inflammation is a concern with extravasation, it is not the primary sign, and redness may occur later.
C. Venous spasm:
Venous spasm involves the constriction of the blood vessel, leading to decreased blood flow. It is not typically associated with redness and inflammation along the vein.
D. Phlebitis:
This is the correct answer. Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein, and it is characterized by redness, warmth, and tenderness along the course of the vein. Phlebitis can be caused by various factors, including irritants in the infused solution, mechanical trauma, or infection.
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