Heparin Nursing Considerations Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Management

Heparin is utilized to prevent and treat thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Obtain prescribed coagulation studies; adjust Heparin dosage based on results.
Administer Heparin via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen; rotate injection sites for optimal absorption.
Avoid aspirating for blood return or massaging the injection site to prevent hematoma formation.
Caution against intramuscular injections to minimize bleeding risks, as hematomas may develop.

Patient Monitoring for Bleeding Risks

Vigilantly assess for signs of bleeding: oozing from gums, nosebleeds, hematuria, or blood in stools.
Monitor lochia; assess the amount and color, with careful pad count to evaluate vaginal bleeding.
Keep protamine sulfate readily accessible for Heparin overdose situations.

Patient Education on Injection Techniques

Instruct patients on anti-bleeding precautions, including usage of soft toothbrushes and proper injection methods.
Ensure patients can demonstrate correct techniques before discharge from health agency.

Pulmonary Embolism Signs

Key indicators of pulmonary embolism include sudden sharp chest pain, tachypnea, tachycardia, orthopnea, and cyanosis.

Mastitis Overview

Mastitis is a painful inflammation of breast tissue, potentially leading to infection.
Infection commonly occurs through cracked or fissured nipples.

Obstetric Patient Considerations

Fetal positioning: The fetus is in a longitudinal lie.
A ripe cervix is necessary for labor; engagement of the fetal head signifies readiness.
Confirm no cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is present and the fetus is estimated to be over 39 weeks mature.

Adverse Effects of Oxytocin

Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, uterine hypertonicity, tetanic contractions, uterine rupture, severe water intoxication, and fetal bradycardia.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the cord exits the cervical os before the presenting fetal part, constituting a medical emergency.

Cord Prolapse Management

Prepare IV solutions, typically adding 1 mL (10 IU) of oxytocin to 1000 mL of IV fluid.
Use an infusion pump for accurate rate control and to mimic normal labor contractions.
Monitor contraction frequency, duration, and strength, alongside maternal pulse and blood pressure for hypotension.
Continuously check fetal heart rate for distress signs.

Puerperal Infections

Infections can occur via dilatation and curettage or retained placental fragments.
Symptoms include pain and fever; bacteria can access the uterus during or after birth through the vagina.
Therapeutic management includes antibiotics, increased fluid intake, and encouragement of ambulation.

Peritonitis Indicators

Characterized by a rigid abdomen, abdominal pain, and high fever.

Description

Learn about the nursing implications of administering heparin, including dosage adjustments, injection techniques, and post-injection care. This quiz covers the essential knowledge nurses need to safely administer heparin to patients. Test your understanding of heparin administration and its nursing implications!