ANTICOAGULANT ALERT!
Heparin should only be injected into the abdomen to decrease bleeding and bruising; low molecular-weight heparin should only be injected into the right or left sides of the abdomen to decrease pain and bruising.
Draw up medication with additional 0.2 mL air to ensure all medication is injected and to create an air lock.
Do not aspirate before injection or massage site after injection because it increases risk of bleeding or bruising.
INSULIN ALERT!
Insulin syringes are measured in units and are NOT interchangeable with tuberculin (TB) syringes.
- Position Pt according to injection site. If injecting heparin, use abdomen at a site farthest from previous injection, at least 2 in. from umbilicus. Rotate sites.
- Don gloves.
- Cleanse site with antiseptic using moderate friction in a circular motion, moving outward from injection site. Avoid touching injection site once prepared.
- Pinch or spread skin. If less than 1 in. can be pinched between fingers, pinch skin and insert needle at a 45° angle. If more than 1 in. can be pinched, spread skin and insert needle at a 90° angle.
- Insert needle with a quick, smooth motion.
- Inject medication slowly. Aspirating for blood return before injection is not necessary, because inadvertent entry into a blood vessel is highly unlikely.
- Remove needle quickly at same angle as injection.
- Gently wipe site with an alcohol swab and cover with a bandage.
- Avoid massaging site after injection unless specifically instructed. Rubbing may alter the rate of absorption.