Question

A client with clotting disorder has an order to continue Lovenox (enoxaparin) injections after discharge. The nurse should teach the client that Lovenox injections should: A. Be injected into the deltoid muscle B. Be injected in the abdomen C. Aspirate after the injection D. Clear the air from the syringe before injections

Short answer

Question: When teaching a client with a clotting disorder about the proper administration of Lovenox injections, the nurse should instruct the client that the injections should: Answer: B. Be injected in the abdomen

Step-by-step solution

Understand the given information in the problem

We are given a client with clotting disorder and an order to continue Lovenox injections after discharge from the hospital. We need to teach the client the proper way to administer Lovenox injections.

Evaluate each option

Option A. Be injected into the deltoid muscle: Lovenox injections are actually not injected into the deltoid muscle, which eliminates this option. Option B. Be injected in the abdomen: This is a possible option, as Lovenox injections are typically given in the fatty tissue around the abdomen. So, we consider this option. Option C. Aspirate after the injection: Aspiration is not recommended during subcutaneous injections like Lovenox injections because it can cause tissue damage, eliminating this option. Option D. Clear the air from the syringe before injections: While it's generally a good practice to clear the air from the syringe, Lovenox prefilled syringes come with an air bubble that shouldn't be removed to ensure proper dosing. This eliminates this option.

Determine the correct answer

After evaluating all the options, the correct answer is: B. Be injected in the abdomen

Key concepts

Nursing Education

Nursing education is fundamental for future nurses to provide competent and safe patient care. It involves equipping student nurses with the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to perform effectively in clinical settings.
In matters of medication administration, nurses are taught to be keen on precision, especially with injectable drugs. This is important as errors can lead to adverse patient outcomes. Therefore, they are educated on correct dosage calculation, understanding medication pharmacokinetics, and proper techniques.
To master these skills, nursing students often engage in both theoretical learning and practical hands-on experiences in simulations or clinical rotations. Such a comprehensive approach ensures nurses can confidently administer medications like Lovenox, following precise guidelines to ensure patient safety.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the branch of medicine focused on drugs and their actions on living systems. For nurses, understanding pharmacology is critical as it allows them to understand how drugs act in the body, their therapeutic uses, and potential side effects.
With drugs like Lovenox (enoxaparin), understanding its anticoagulant properties helps nurses to educate patients about its use to prevent blood clots. The knowledge also aids in monitoring the patient’s response to the medication and any potential adverse effects.
This branch of science is vast and encompasses drug interactions, side effects, and contraindications. A solid grasp of pharmacology is, therefore, essential for safe and effective medication administration and patient care.

Patient Education

Patient education involves teaching patients about their health conditions and the necessary management strategies. It is a critical part of nursing practice that helps empower patients to take charge of their health.
Effective patient education on medication like Lovenox includes explaining why the medication is necessary, how to correctly administer it, and recognizing signs of potential complications. This ensures patients understand the importance of adherence to their medication regimen to prevent complications such as clot formation.
Engaging patients in their own care, using simple language, and providing written instructions aids retention and enhances compliance. Additionally, demonstrating injection techniques and encouraging questions help reinforce learning.

Medication Administration

Medication administration is more than just giving a patient their meds. It involves a comprehensive process that ensures the right dose is given to the right patient at the right time through the right route and the right manner.
Nurses must adhere to the "five rights" of medication administration, especially when dealing with injectables like Lovenox. This particular medication requires subcutaneous application, typically in the abdomen, to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
The process also includes verifying patient details, preparing the medication correctly, and confirming the correct administration technique. This attention to detail not only ensures patient safety but also maximizes the therapeutic benefits of the medication.