The nurse is teaching an overweight patient to administer subcutaneous heparin. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a. "I should insert the needle and inject the medication without aspirating for blood."
b. "I should put firm pressure on the injection site to decrease the risk for bleeding."
c. "I will insert the needle at a 10-degree angle when injecting."
d. "The subcutaneous route is used because absorption is faster this way."
ANS: A
Patients giving subcutaneous medication should be taught not to aspirate after inserting the needle. They should not apply pressure. The needle should be inserted at a 45- to 90-degree angle. Absorption is slower with this route than with the intramuscular and intravenous routes.
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