When administering heparin, which nursing consideration is correct?

• A. Massage the injection site after administration.
• B. Do not monitor coagulation parameters.
• C. Protamine sulfate is not used as an antidote for heparin.
• D. Administer heparin subcutaneously in the abdomen.

Answer: (D)

When giving heparin by the subcutaneous route, choose a site that provides predictable absorption and minimizes bleeding. The abdomen is preferred because it has ample subcutaneous tissue and absorption is more stable, reducing the risk of hematoma and erratic anticoagulant effect compared with injection into the arm or thigh or into muscle. After administering, avoid massaging the site since massage can disrupt forming clots and increase bleeding risk. It’s also important to monitor coagulation parameters to ensure therapeutic effect, and remember that protamine sulfate is the antidote used if reversal is needed.