how to give heparin 5000units with a 1mL syringe?

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the order is give 5000 units subcutaneously. if i am using a 1cc or 1ml syringe, how far would i pull the stopper of the syringe back? would i draw up to 0.5ml? also, is 0.5ml equal to 5000 units?

Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

A bit off topic, but is there an advantage of one concentration over the other? Is one more likely to cause ecchymoses or other problems than the other?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
A bit off topic, but is there an advantage of one concentration over the other? Is one more likely to cause ecchymoses or other problems than the other?

Well, yes........the 100,000 units per cc would be better as you would only have to inject 0.5 cc which of course cause less bruising......

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Specializes in CVICU, Obs/Gyn, Derm, NICU.
the order is give 5000 units subcutaneously. if i am using a 1cc or 1ml syringe, how far would i pull the stopper of the syringe back? would i draw up to 0.5ml? also, is 0.5ml equal to 5000 units?

This is one of those meds you must, must, must not mess up with.

Heparin is frequently cited in serious medication error mishaps.

Please please revise the relevant literature and your facility policy

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it is 5000units/mL and it says give 5000 units subcutaneously. so if i'm using a 1ml syringe, the ones with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 etc. up to 1mL, how much would i pull the stopper to? up to 1mL right?

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Specializes in ICU & LTAC as RN. FNP.
it is 5000units/mL and it says give 5000 units subcutaneously. so if i'm using a 1ml syringe, the ones with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 etc. up to 1mL, how much would i pull the stopper to? up to 1mL right?

Yes, that is correct.

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Always read the vial and see what the concentration is. If the vial said 10000 units/1 mL and the doctor's order was for 5000 units, you would use this calculation:

5000 units (desired amount ordered) divided by 10000 units (what is on hand) x 1 mL = 0.5 mL. That's the amount you would give. I'm not trying to be offensive, but I'm surprised that desired/have formula wasn't beat into your head in nursing school.

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Specializes in Post Surg.

i always do a double check with heparin/lovenox and insulin. always.

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it is 5000units/mL and it says give 5000 units subcutaneously. so if i'm using a 1ml syringe, the ones with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 etc. up to 1mL, how much would i pull the stopper to? up to 1mL right?

What part of giving this injection is confusing you, the medication or the syringe? You know the concentration is 5000 units/mL and you know you need to give 5000 units, so that would be the whole 1 mL. Just trying to pinpoint where the confusion is coming from so we can better help you.

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Specializes in ICU.
Considering the OP has a post saying they have passed the NCLEX, I'm a little worried...

See now, this doesn't worry me at all.

If it is true, then my chances of passing the NCLEX just multiplied.

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See now, this doesn't worry me at all.

If it is true, then my chances of passing the NCLEX just multiplied.

She passed 2 years ago and is currently working as a nurse...

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

Usually 5,000 units are in full 1ml. (Check the bottle it comes in), but thats how they come for us. But if its 10,000 units/mL then you would only do 0.5mL

I use the 1ml syringe, looks like the insulin syringes, and i just take off the top of the heparin to get at the rubber port, and draw back a full mL.

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

^for 5,000 units that is.

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