NCLEX RN Questions Safety and Infection Control Related

Review NCLEX RN Questions Safety and Infection Control related questions and content

The nurse is preparing to administer prescribed heparin sodium 5000 units subcutaneously. Which action should the nurse take to safely administer the medication?

  • A. Inject via an infusion device.
  • B. Inject within 1 inch of the umbilicus.
  • C. Massage the injection site after administration for a full minute.
  • D. Change the needle on the syringe after withdrawing the medication from the vial.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: After withdrawal of heparin from the vial, the needle is changed before injection to prevent leakage of medication along the needle tract. Heparin administered subcutaneously does not require an infusion device. The injection site is located in the abdominal fat layer. It is not injected within 2 inches of the umbilicus or into any scar tissue. The needle is withdrawn rapidly, pressure is applied, and the area is not massaged. Injection sites are rotated.