The nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer subcutaneous heparin injections.
Which instruction should the nurse include?

The most important intervention the nurse should take when administering these medications to the client is to assess the client’s pain level and administer the appropriate medication based on the level of pain.

Choice A is not the correct answer because administering all medications at the same time may not provide effective pain relief and could result in overmedication.

Choice B is not the correct answer because administering the medication with the highest dose first may not provide effective pain relief and could result in overmedication.

Choice D is not the correct answer because administering the medication with the longest duration of action first may not provide immediate pain relief.

A. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth is appropriate for a client who has had a CVA and may have unilateral weakness. This technique helps the client chew and swallow effectively, reducing the risk of aspiration.

B. Raising the head of the bed to 80 degrees is too high and can increase the risk of choking or aspiration by making it harder for the client to control the food bolus during swallowing. A more appropriate position is raising the head of the bed to 45–60 degrees, which facilitates safe swallowing while maintaining comfort. This action requires additional teaching.

C. Positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward, known as the chin-tuck position, is a recommended strategy to prevent aspiration. This position helps close the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of food or liquid entering the trachea.

D. Allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding is appropriate because it ensures the client is not fatigued, which can compromise swallowing ability and increase the risk of aspiration.