Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
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
The correct answer is B: Grasp skin between thumb and forefinger throughout the injection. By grasping the skin, the nurse can stabilize the tissue and prevent unnecessary movement, reducing the risk of bleeding. This technique ensures accurate needle placement and minimizes tissue trauma. Using the Z-track method (choice A) is not necessary for subcutaneous injections and is more commonly used for intramuscular injections to prevent medication leakage. Aspirating the syringe (choice C) is not required for subcutaneous injections as blood vessels are not typically penetrated. Massaging the site (choice D) can actually increase the risk of bleeding by causing tissue damage.