A nurse is preparing to administer subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg using a prefilled syringe of enoxaparin 40 mg/0.4 ml to an adult client following hip arthroplasty.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Aspirate carefully after inserting the needle into the client’s skin.
Administer the injection in the client’s thigh.
Insert the needle at 90 degrees.
Expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringe before injecting.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously, which means under the skin, and the needle should be inserted fully into the skin to ensure proper delivery of the drug.
Choice A is wrong because aspirating (pulling back on the plunger) after inserting the needle is not recommended for subcutaneous injections of enoxaparin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Choice B is wrong because administering the injection in the client’s thigh is not the preferred site for enoxaparin. The preferred site is the abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the navel, as it has more fatty tissue and less blood vessels than other areas.
Choice D is wrong because expelling the air bubble from the prefilled syringe is not necessary for enoxaparin. The air bubble helps to ensure that the entire dose of enoxaparin is injected and prevents blood from entering the syringe.
Normal ranges for enoxaparin dosage depend on the indication and the patient’s weight, but for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis after hip arthroplasty, the usual dose is 40 mg once a day for 3 weeks.
The prefilled syringe of enoxaparin 40 mg/0.4 ml contains the correct dose for this indication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Intermittent claudication is a condition where leg pain is produced upon increased activity and ischemia to tissues, but then the pain is reduced with rest.This is because the lack of oxygen to the muscles causes pain, and resting allows the blood flow to resume.
Choice B, sporadic ischemia, is wrong because it is not a specific condition, but a general term for reduced blood supply to a tissue or organ.
Choice C, angina, is wrong because it is a chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not the legs.
Choice D, paresthesia, is wrong because it is a sensation of tingling, numbness, or prickling in the skin, not pain.
It can be caused by various conditions, such as nerve damage, diabetes, or Raynaud’s disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should contact the provider before administering furosemide because the patient has a low serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause potassium loss and worsen hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and fatigue. The nurse should also monitor the patient’s blood pressure, weight, and urine output, as furosemide can lower blood pressure and cause dehydration.
Choice A. Administer medication is wrong because the nurse should not give furosemide without checking with the provider first, as it could be harmful to the patient with low potassium.
Choice C. Hold medication is wrong because the nurse should not withhold furosemide without a valid reason or an order from the provider, as it could cause fluid overload and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice D. Give potassium supplement is wrong because the nurse should not give potassium supplement without an order from the provider, as it could cause hyperkalemia or interact with other medications.
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