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 ["1.5"]
Explanation
Volume to administer (mL) = Dose ordered (mg) / Concentration of drug (mg/mL).
For a dose of 15 mg and a concentration of 10 mg/mL, the calculation would be 15 mg / 10 mg/mL = 1.5 mL.
Therefore, the nurse should administer 1.5 mL of morphine injection.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
A. Diarrhea is a common side effect associated with ondansetron, which is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
B. Ondansetron can potentially cause changes in glucose metabolism, leading to hyperglycemia, especially in clients with diabetes mellitus. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential during ondansetron administration, particularly in clients who are already predisposed to hyperglycemia.
D. Headache is a potential adverse effect of ondansetron. It is listed as a common side effect and should be monitored, especially in older adults who may be more sensitive to medication effects.
C. Ondansetron can affect the QT interval rather than the PR interval. It may cause QT interval prolongation, which can predispose the client to arrhythmias
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