A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to an obese client who has a deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Select a 22-gauge needle for heparin administration.
Insert the needle at a 90° angle.
Massage the injection site after administering the heparin.
Aspirate for a blood return prior to injecting the heparin.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Subcutaneous injections are generally administered at a 45° or 90° angle, depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present. In obese clients, there is typically more subcutaneous tissue, so inserting the needle at a 90° angle may be necessary to ensure proper medication absorption.
A. A smaller gauge needle (such as 25 or 26 gauge) is usually more appropriate for subcutaneous injections to minimize discomfort and tissue trauma, especially in obese clients where there is more subcutaneous tissue.
C. Massaging the injection site after administering heparin is not recommended. It can cause discomfort, bruising, and potentially alter the absorption rate of the medication. The injection site should be gently
pressed with a dry gauze pad after withdrawal of the needle to help disperse the medication and prevent leakage, but massaging should be avoided.
D. Aspiration is not necessary for subcutaneous injections. It is generally used for intramuscular injections to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel, which is less of a concern for subcutaneous injections. The injection technique involves pinching the skin and injecting the medication into the subcutaneous tissue without aspirating.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["50"]
Explanation
To calculate the flow rate in gtt/min, the total volume (400 mL) should be divided by the total time in minutes (8 hours x 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes). This gives the mL/min.
Then, multiply the mL/min by the drop factor (60 gtt/mL) to get the gtt/min. So, the calculation would be (400 mL / 480 min) x 60 gtt/mL = 50 gtt/min.
Therefore, the nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver 50 gtt/min.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet can indicate peripheral neuropathy, a known adverse effect of nitrofurantoin. It's essential for the nurse to recognize and communicate the potential seriousness of these symptoms to the client.
A. Numbness and tingling are not typically related to hydration status. While adequate hydration is important for overall health, it does not directly prevent numbness and tingling caused by medication side effects.
B. Symptoms like urinary frequency, burning, and dysuria are common symptoms of a urinary tract infection, not indicators of the medication working.
C Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet can be indicative of peripheral neuropathy, which is a potential adverse reaction to nitrofurantoin. While not all cases are severe, it's crucial to assess the severity and duration of these symptoms and notify the healthcare provider.
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