A nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer heparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Use an 18-gauge, 1-inch needle to administer the medication.
Inject 5.1 cm (2 in) away from the umbilicus.
Expel air bubble before injecting medication.
Massage the injection site after withdrawing the needle.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Use an 18-gauge, 1-inch needle to administer the medication. An 18-gauge needle is too large for subcutaneous heparin injections, which require a smaller, finer needle, typically 25- to 27-gauge and ⅜- to ⅝-inch in length. The smaller gauge reduces discomfort and is appropriate for subcutaneous tissue.
B. Inject 5.1 cm (2 in) away from the umbilicus. Heparin injections should be given at least 2 inches from the umbilicus to avoid areas with dense blood vessels, which decreases the risk of hematoma formation and improves medication absorption.
C. Expel air bubble before injecting medication. For prefilled heparin syringes, the small air bubble should not be expelled, as it helps ensure the full dose is administered and can reduce bruising by sealing the medication in the tissue.
D. Massage the injection site after withdrawing the needle. Massaging the site after a heparin injection is not recommended as it increases the risk of bruising and tissue irritation. Instead, gentle pressure may be applied briefly if there is bleeding at the site.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The nurse's empathy about the client having to self-inject:
While empathy is important for building a therapeutic relationship, the client's motivation to learn is more likely to be influenced by factors directly related to their own needs and perceived benefits.
B. The client seeking family approval by agreeing to a teaching plan:
External factors, such as seeking family approval, may influence a client's willingness to participate in a teaching plan, but they might not be as effective in sustaining motivation over the long term. Intrinsic motivation tends to be more enduring and impactful.
C. The nurse explaining the need for education to the client:
While explaining the need for education is important, the client's motivation may be more influenced by their personal beliefs about the benefits of learning and meeting their own needs rather than an external explanation.
D. The client's belief that his needs will be met through education:
This statement reflects the client's intrinsic motivation, where the client perceives that learning to self-administer daily low-dose heparin injections will meet his needs. Intrinsic motivation is a powerful driver for learning because it comes from within the individual.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Check that the client has a small gauge IV catheter in place.
Blood transfusions require a large-bore IV catheter (18-20 gauge) to prevent hemolysis and ensure efficient infusion. A small gauge IV (such as 22-24G) is not appropriate for PRBCs as it can slow the infusion and damage red blood cells.
B. Check the blood product's compatibility with the client's blood type: Before administering packed red blood cells (PRBCs), the nurse must verify blood compatibility to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which can be life-threatening.
C. Prime the client's primary IV tubing with lactated Ringer’s.
Only normal saline (0.9% NaCl) should be used to prime the IV tubing for a blood transfusion. Lactated Ringer’s and dextrose solutions can cause hemolysis and clotting of the blood product.
D. Confirm the identity of the client with the blood bank technician.While verifying the blood product is critical, the nurse should confirm the client’s identity at the bedside with another licensed nurse, not the blood bank technician. This ensures that the right blood is given to the right client following facility protocols.
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