The nurse administers a subcutaneous injection of heparin into the client's abdomen.Which action should the nurse perform next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Applying pressure to the site if bleeding occurs is the correct action for the nurse to perform next after administering a subcutaneous injection of heparin to the client's abdomen. This is because heparin is an anticoagulant medication that may cause bleeding at the injection site. The nurse should apply pressure to the site for a few minutes to prevent or minimize bleeding. The other options are incorrect actions for the nurse to perform. The nurse should never recap a used needle before discarding it as this increases the risk of needle stick injuries. Massaging the area to improve absorption can cause tissue damage and alter the medication's absorption rate. Pinching the skin while removing the needle can cause a hematoma or bruising at the injection site.

The Nurse Administers a Subcutaneous Injection of Heparin into the Client's