A nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of penicillin G IM to a client. The nurse should monitor for which of the following as an indication of an allergic reaction following the injection?

Choice A rationale:

The air bubble should not be expelled from the syringe before administering enoxaparin. The air bubble is included to ensure that the entire dose is administered and to help prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue, which can reduce bruising.

Choice B rationale:

After administering enoxaparin, applying firm pressure (but not massaging) to the injection site helps minimize bruising and bleeding. It's important not to massage the site as this can increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

The needle should be inserted fully into the subcutaneous tissue at a 90-degree angle (or at a 45-degree angle if the client has little subcutaneous tissue). Inserting the needle halfway may result in improper administration.

Choice D rationale:

Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin that should be administered subcutaneously, not intramuscularly. Administering it intramuscularly could increase the risk of bleeding and is not the appropriate route for this medication.

The client should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking ferrous gluconate to prevent oesophagal irritation. Choice B is wrong because taking an antacid with ferrous gluconate can decrease its absorption and effectiveness.

Choice C is wrong because taking ferrous gluconate with milk can also reduce its absorption and cause gastrointestinal distress.

Choice D is wrong because black stools are a common and harmless side effect of ferrous gluconate and do not indicate a need to notify the provider. Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.

Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood.