Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer heparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Inject 5.1 cm (2 in) away from the umbilicus. This instruction is important to prevent any damage to the abdominal organs near the umbilicus. Injecting heparin too close to the umbilicus can lead to injury or bleeding.
Choice A is incorrect because an 18-gauge, 1-inch needle is too large for subcutaneous injections like heparin administration. Choice B is incorrect as massaging the injection site after withdrawing the needle can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Choice D is incorrect as expelling air bubbles before injecting medication is essential for intravenous injections, not subcutaneous injections like heparin.
Choice A is incorrect because an 18-gauge, 1-inch needle is too large for subcutaneous injections like heparin administration. Choice B is incorrect as massaging the injection site after withdrawing the needle can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Choice D is incorrect as expelling air bubbles before injecting medication is essential for intravenous injections, not subcutaneous injections like heparin.