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 A
Explanation
Recapping needles increases the risk of needlestick injuries. Needles used for arterial blood gas (ABG) specimens should never be recapped because this action significantly increases the likelihood of accidental puncture wounds.
B. Recapping needles can lead to accidental needlesticks, so it's safer to avoid this practice. Instead, needles should be immediately disposed of in a puncture-proof sharps container.
CA Recapping needles is strongly discouraged because it increases the risk of needlestick injuries. Placing needles in a regular wastebasket does not provide adequate protection from needlestick injuries and is not in line with safe disposal practices.
D. Breaking needles is hazardous and increases the risk of needlestick injuries. Needles should never be manipulated or broken before disposal. They should be placed intact in a sharps disposal container to prevent accidental exposure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. One of the significant changes that occur with aging is a decline in kidney function. This includes a decrease in renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. These changes can impair the body's ability to conserve water and maintain electrolyte balance, increasing the risk of dehydration.
A. As individuals age, there is actually a decrease in the percentage of body water relative to lean body mass. This is because aging is associated with an increase in adipose tissue and a decrease in muscle mass, which affects the overall body composition.
C Saliva production typically decreases with age, rather than increases. Reduced saliva production can contribute to dry mouth and may affect hydration status indirectly, but it is not a primary factor in increasing dehydration risk in older adults.
D. While changes in blood pressure can occur with aging, such as an increase in systolic blood pressure due to arterial stiffening, this does not directly contribute to an increased risk of dehydration. Blood pressure changes are more related to cardiovascular health rather than fluid balance.
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