Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
The nurse should intervene if a student nurse does which of the following when administering heparin subcutaneously?
Apply gloves
Aspirate for blood
Inject at a 45 degree angle
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.