NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

The nurse should intervene if a student nurse does which of the following when administering heparin subcutaneously?

1. Apply gloves

2. Aspirate for blood

3. Inject at a 45 degree angle

4. Prep the skin with alcohol

The correct answer is: Aspirate for blood

When administering heparin subcutaneously, it is important to note that aspirating for blood is not necessary. Unlike intramuscular injections where aspirating is commonly done to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel, subcutaneous injections do not require aspiration. In fact, aspirating during a subcutaneous injection may increase the risk of tissue damage or bruising. Therefore, the nurse should intervene if a student nurse attempts to aspirate for blood when administering heparin subcutaneously. Applying gloves (Choice A), injecting at a 45-degree angle (Choice C), and prepping the skin with alcohol (Choice D) are all appropriate and important steps to take when administering heparin subcutaneously.