The nurse is discharging home a client at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) on low-molecular-weight heparin. What instruction does the nurse provide to this client?

Question

a. "You must have your aPTT checked every 2 weeks."
b. "Massage the injection site after the heparin is injected."
c. "Notify your health care provider if your stools appear tarry."
d. "An IV catheter will be placed to administer your heparin."

Answer 1

C
As with any anticoagulation, low-molecular-weight heparin incurs risk of bleeding. Clients should be taught to report to their health care provider the presence of tarry stools, bleeding gums, hematuria, ecchymosis, or petechiae. Low-molecular-weight heparin does not affect activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), as does intravenous heparin. This type of heparin is administered subcutaneously to deliver a slow sustained response. Massaging the site would hasten absorption and decrease effects.