Injection questions, Insulin, Lovenox

Nurses Medications

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Hello... just wanted to verify... Insulin is always given SQ and so is Lovenox, correct?? I usually give Insulin and when needed, Lovenox near the belly-button abdomen area SQ. I hear that Lovenox can be given in the love-handle area.. is that true?? Thanks!! :)

Yes, it can be given in the 'love handles'.

From the Lovenox site: Chose area in the right or left side of your abdomen, at least 2 inches from your belly button, think "love handles"

http://www.lovenox.com/consumer/prescribed-lovenox/self-inject/inject-lovenox.aspx

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Insulin can be given IM but only regular insulin. IM injection has a faster absorbtion than SQ. However, IM injection is NOT for routine use, and it has its risks associated with rapid reductions in blood glucose. However, There is no intrinsic danger in IM injections versus SC injections. There was also inhailed which I believe has been removed from the market.

http://www.sh.lsuhsc.edu/policies/policy_manuals_via_ms_word/Nursing/I-25.pdf

I'd check with your facilities policy and procedure and pharmacy. :)

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Specializes in LTC, Wound Care.

Had a nurse give lovenox IM once, into the deltoid...NOT PRETTY! And she had been a nurse for over 20 years!

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

I just want to clarify for the original poster since it was mentioned. That only regular insulin is used in a drip/IV.

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just my 2 cents..currently in nursing school and they are teaching us lovenox...lovehandles

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

When Lovenox first came out, one of the icky doctors told us the easy way to remember the name is Love At Night...then he'd leer at us.eeeewwwww

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I had a patient who was hysterical about getting a shot in his belly (lovenox). Wanted the med, but was completely grossed out by the idea of a needle going into his belly. Called the doc and asked what was the best second site. He told me if it wasn't in the belly to put it in the fatty tissue of the upper arm (guy was pretty fluffy, so no worries about hitting muscle). Wrote the order to give lovenox in posterior aspect of upper arm sub-q. Made a bruise 2 inches across. I felt horrible, but the guy just wouldn't take it in the belly.
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I gave it in the "Bingo Wings" as we called it in school the other day, I just stupidly assumed that since it's a subq injection that it was fine to give it there. There was no bruising (just a small one

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