The nurse is preparing to give a heparin injection to a client who is malnourished and cachectic. Which method of injection would be appropriate for this client?

Question

The nurse is preparing to give a heparin injection to a client who is malnourished and cachectic.  Which method of injection would be appropriate for this client?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cb41_a411_b433_dbde04b78ef0_MD0009_00 When administering subcutaneous anticoagulant injections (eg, heparin, enoxaparin), the nurse must select the appropriate needle length and angle to avoid accidental intramuscular injection, especially in clients with insufficient adipose tissue (eg, cachexia). Intramuscular injection of heparin would cause rapid absorption, resulting in a hematoma and painful muscle irritation. The nurse should administer subcutaneous injections at 90 degrees if 2 in (5 cm) of subcutaneous tissue can be grasped, or at 45 degrees if only 1 in (2.5 cm) can be grasped (Option B). Anticoagulants are best absorbed if administered in the abdomen at least 2 in (5 cm) away from the umbilicus. (Option A) A 15-degree angle is used for intradermal injections and would not deliver medication into the subcutaneous tissue. (Option C) A 90-degree injection angle is appropriate for clients with sufficient adipose tissue (ie, at least 2 in [5 cm] can be grasped). (Option D) Needles longer than ⁵⁄₈ in (1.6 cm) are used to administer intramuscular injections. Educational objective: Anticoagulant injections should be administered in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue at a 45- to 90-degree angle. A 45-degree angle is used for clients with minimal adipose tissue to avoid accidental intramuscular injection, which would cause rapid absorption and result in hematoma and painful muscle irritation.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Give a Heparin Injection to a Client