Can Lovenox Injection Be Too Deep?

[redraider1977]

I gave my first Lovenox injection today to a patient in the flank and the needle didnt go in right away and was wondering if it might have gone too deep with some added pressure. Thanks

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

.... No one can say for sure b/c we did not witness it and see all the variables. What was the length of the needle you selected and at what angle did you inject and how much adipose tissue did the pt have? If you used the appropriate needle the odds are the pt just had thick skin and you had to exert a little more push than usual and that is OK.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

.... No one can say for sure b/c we did not witness it and see all the variables. What was the length of the needle you selected and at what angle did you inject and how much adipose tissue did the pt have? If you used the appropriate needle the odds are the pt just had thick skin and you had to exert a little more push than usual and that is OK.

I know you can inject SQ's at 45 or 90 degrees...I usually go in at 90; however, if the pt has very little adipose tissue, it would be best to inject at 45 degrees or less. And as iluvivt said, make sure you have the correct needle.

[redraider1977]

Pre filled lovenox syringe, the nurses have told me they suck. Just seemed like I had to add a good amount of pressure to get it through the skin.

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

yeah I have noticed that there was a while with those syringes and the needles seemed really blunt. get in contact with pharmacy and if they dont satisfy you the company rep. That is why those nurses get paid the big bucks!

[AshNix]

As long as it remains in subcutaneous tissue, you should be OK. Always aspirate first brfore injecting