The nurse is teaching a client to self-administer subcutaneous heparin at home. What does the nurse include in client teaching?

Question

1. Use a 22-gauge, 1-inch needle for the heparin injections.
2. Change needles after withdrawing the heparin from the vial.
3. Instruct the client and family to recap all needles used at home.
4. Grab a large pinch of skin and inject heparin into center of skinfold.

Answer 1

4
4. The nurse instructs the client to grab a large pinch of skin and inject the heparin into the center of the skinfold at a 90-degree angle to deposit the medication into subcutaneous tissue.
1. A 22-gauge needle is too large for a subcutaneous injection; a 25- or 27-gauge needle is a better choice because a finer needle creates a smaller hole. As a result, the medication tends to remain in the subcutaneous space, the client is more comfortable, and the skin develops scar tissue more slowly.
2. Changing needles is not necessary.
3. Needles are never recapped; the client at home should obtain a sharps container or use an impenetrable container to hold used needles. The client should label the con-tainer to prevent injury to others.