Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to minimize bleeding following the injection?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: B: Grasp skin between thumb and forefinger throughout the injection.
Rationale: Grasping the skin between the thumb and forefinger helps to create tension at the injection site, which can help minimize bleeding after the injection. This technique helps to stabilize the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the risk of bruising or bleeding. It also ensures proper needle insertion and medication delivery without causing damage to the surrounding blood vessels or tissues.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Using the Z-track method is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, as it is primarily for intramuscular injections to prevent medication leakage.
C: Massaging the site can increase bleeding by causing further disruption of the blood vessels.
D: Aspirating the syringe is not needed for subcutaneous injections since the needle tip is not in a blood vessel.
Rationale: Grasping the skin between the thumb and forefinger helps to create tension at the injection site, which can help minimize bleeding after the injection. This technique helps to stabilize the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the risk of bruising or bleeding. It also ensures proper needle insertion and medication delivery without causing damage to the surrounding blood vessels or tissues.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Using the Z-track method is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, as it is primarily for intramuscular injections to prevent medication leakage.
C: Massaging the site can increase bleeding by causing further disruption of the blood vessels.
D: Aspirating the syringe is not needed for subcutaneous injections since the needle tip is not in a blood vessel.