Heparin Injections

mariedoreen · Feb 22, 2005

Hello to all. My name is Tonya and I'm new to the allnurses.com and I would like to ask a question to pick everyones brain for a minute. I appreciate all responses in advance and thank you for you time. I'm currently in my second semester (Med-Surg) of an associate program in Oklahoma, and while at clinicals I have ran on to several variances of opinions about giving Heparin shots. Personally we were taught to give Heparin sq shots in the abd, not to aspirate, and not to massage. I have read several posts, websites, and books that also confirm what I was taught, but the one thing that I'm having trouble with finding is why do you not aspirate a Heparin sq injection. I'm very analytical and I'm interested in learning why you wouldn't aspirate, and would appreciate all input that you may have. Thanks again and good luck.
P.S. One more question for you... where you also taught to aspirate all injections with the expection of Heparin? and what about Insulin?

My understanding is that it can possibly damage the surrounding tissue and cause bleeding and/or bruising.

Also, we were taught to aspirate all except heparin and insulin.

Morguein · Feb 22, 2005

From what I understand, you don't aspirate when giving heparin because doing so may move the needle and cause some damage to the tissue area and giving the heparin after damaging the tissue can cause extra bleeding.

hippienurse · Feb 22, 2005

"Aspiration isn't necessary with insulin and may cause a hematoma with heparin."

akcarmean, LPN · Feb 23, 2005

I have to agree with the other post that is pretty much what I was taught also.

I had to give myself heparin shots all during my pregnancy. I still bruised even thought I didn't aspirate. My stomach looked like one big bruise.

Angie

lisamc1RN, LPN · Feb 23, 2005

We just finished our competencies on subq injections and we were taught not to aspirate on subq injections at all, only IM's.

kahumai, RN · Feb 23, 2005

Just had a conversation about this at clinical today! I was always taught that you never aspirate heparin because of the potential for tissue damage. You *can* aspirate insulin, although it's really not necessary and most literature says don't do it. Mostly just applies to the heparin.

sweetestgirlinok2002 · Feb 23, 2005

Thank you all so much for the taking the time to post. I appreciate your time and input. Thanks again! =)

Pocamom · Feb 23, 2005

Just a suggestion: If you inject heparin slowly it is less likely to bruise the patient. Think of it like an IV push, nice and slow. :)

hangnon · Feb 23, 2005

We recently discussed Heparin injections in class and were also told to keep the needle in 10 seconds before pulling it out. Apparently it is a new recomendation.

DenaInWyo · Feb 23, 2005

We were taught the ten second thing as well (I'm in second semester right now..newbie, so it might very well be a new thing). We were also taught that aspirating with insulin was up to the nurse giving the injection. Hep, of course, we were taught to never aspirate, for all of the same reasons already posted.

akcarmean, LPN · Feb 23, 2005

We recently discussed Heparin injections in class and were also told to keep the needle in 10 seconds before pulling it out. Apparently it is a new recomendation.

My Dr. told me when I was doing giving myself the shots to do that. You are less likely to bleed if the needle stays in for a little while.

Angie