The nurse is teaching an overweight patient to administer subcutaneous heparin. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

A. When administering subcutaneous heparin, aspiration should be avoided because it can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of hematoma formation. This statement correctly reflects safe administration technique.

B. Firm pressure on the injection site is not recommended after heparin administration because it can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Instead, gentle pressure should be applied if necessary.

C. Subcutaneous injections should be given at a 45- to 90-degree angle, depending on the patient’s body mass. A 10-degree angle is too shallow and may result in improper medication delivery.

D. The subcutaneous route does not provide faster absorption than other routes such as intravenous or intramuscular. Instead, it allows for slow, steady absorption, which is desirable for anticoagulants like heparin.

a) The Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) is a valuable resource but is primarily designed for physicians. It contains drug manufacturer information but may lack nursing-specific details like patient education, nursing interventions, and administration guidelines.

b) A Nurse's Drug Guide/Handbook is the best resource for nurses because it includes essential nursing considerations such as patient education, side effects, contraindications, nursing interventions, and administration tips.

c) A drug package insert provides useful information but is not comprehensive and does not include nursing-specific recommendations. It primarily contains manufacturer-provided details on indications, dosing, and warnings.

d) Drug Facts and Comparisons is a resource primarily used by pharmacists for comparing medications rather than providing nursing-focused drug information.