Administering heparin and insulin SQ

[melvinsgirl]

I am a nursing student. During clinicals I had a patient with a fresh abdominal incision and a PICC line in his left arm. I wasn't administering medication for him that day, but it made me wonder? If his abdomen was too sore for the heparin injection and his right upper arm was to be used for his insulin injection, where would I inject the heparin? Can both heparin and insulin be injected in the same arm? Thanks

[PiPhi2004]

You can also use thighs for insulin injections.

[Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN]

I am a nursing student. During clinicals I had a patient with a fresh abdominal incision and a PICC line in his left arm. I wasn't administering medication for him that day, but it made me wonder? If his abdomen was too sore for the heparin injection and his right upper arm was to be used for his insulin injection, where would I inject the heparin? Can both heparin and insulin be injected in the same arm? Thanks

Insulin can be injected in either arm(Picc line would not interfere ,there generally lots of sq tissue in the back of arm). Insulin can be given in thighs ,abdomen ,away from the incision,if needed. But heparin can only be given in the abdomen. Was it low dose to prevent blood clots? That is always given in the "love handles" not in middle of abdomen.

Regular heparin is generally given by IV drip but not sure about why giving to a fresh abdominal surgery. Hope I am being clear. But as always follow hospital policy, look it up.

[melvinsgirl]

Insulin can be injected in either arm(Picc line would not interfere ,there generally lots of sq tissue in the back of arm). Insulin can be given in thighs ,abdomen ,away from the incision,if needed. But heparin can only be given in the abdomen. Was it low dose to prevent blood clots? That is always given in the "love handles" not in middle of abdomen.

Regular heparin is generally given by IV drip but not sure about why giving to a fresh abdominal surgery. Hope I am being clear. But as always follow hospital policy, look it up.

I'm sorry, he was scheduled for Lovenox (LMWH) and regular insulin and the same time of day. I thought that I wouldn't be able to use the PICC line arm because there was a sign on the patient's door no needle sticks in left arm.

[jamato8]

I'm sorry, he was scheduled for Lovenox (LMWH) and regular insulin and the same time of day. I thought that I wouldn't be able to use the PICC line arm because there was a sign on the patient's door no needle sticks in left arm.

Normally you do not want to use the arm with the PICC line and this is a policy at anywhere I have worked. Hep can be given in the stomach area, just note where you give it. Since it was Lovenox there shouldn't be much concern. It can sting a little and I once had a guy get out of bed and start crying. His wife was disgusted and left after saying he always put on a show like that. Maybe he really was ultra sensitive. Anyway, I stay away from PICC lines as I have seen enough that are infected for one reason or another.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I tend to give insulin in the arms, as it's a place most patients won't reach/use at home....heparin/lovenox is always given in the stomach...you could have used the thighs as well...plenty of places without giving it in the PICC arm.