Query on Lovenox Administration

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

I have seen the aftermath of a Lovenox injection given subq in the lateral aspect of the arm by a very new nurse, she really did not know how to give the drug and did not think to ask. It was not absorbed properly and there was a whopper of a bruise. I always given Lovenox in the lateral aspects of the abdomen, do not burp bubble, and do not rub afterwards. I have been told I give a pretty good injection, any type, so I guess following the recommended insert does make a big difference.

cjan · Dec 25, 2004

Lovenox=Lovehandles. Pt should lies flat if possible for injection into sc lovehandle. Lying flat for 10-15 minutes after seems to help bruising. Don't know why this is, but it works.. Hate to see pt given lovenox injections into stomach.......

ST_NURSE_MLD · Dec 29, 2004

What do you mean "don't burp the bubble". I think I did this one time; because, I felt and heard it. I felt that something wasn't right and felt bad about it. Prayed all night that she wouldn't bruise. This was in Level 2 clinicals. I never did find out if she got a bruise.

sxrn · Dec 31, 2004

I have a buddy of mine that works on the Med/Surg. Unit where I work and is very interested in sites for Lovenox admin. She says she was taught that Lovenox equals love handles and should be admin. in the lateral aspects of abd. What is some other peoples' opinion? There are some RNs that think that ALL insulin injection sites may be used for Lovenox. What do you think?

Anywhere you can give insulin, give lovenox...

starcandy · Jan 8, 2005

What if a pt has major abd surgery, with the drsgs and abd tenderness what would be the options?? :uhoh3: I had this problem with heparin SQ and was told to give in the posterior arm.

stidget99 · Feb 12, 2005

I have a buddy of mine that works on the Med/Surg. Unit where I work and is very interested in sites for Lovenox admin. She says she was taught that Lovenox equals love handles and should be admin. in the lateral aspects of abd. What is some other peoples' opinion? There are some RNs that think that ALL insulin injection sites may be used for Lovenox. What do you think?

I personally rec'd a lovenox injection. The nurse who gave it to me gave it to me in the sq tissue in the left upper arm. I ended up w/ a huge bruise that took weeks to fade. I was taught that lateral abd sites are best.

VineYdBabe · Aug 18, 2006

Thank you all very much. I've been out of the hospital for a few years and my mom is coming home from the hospital today needing Lovenox injections. I came here for a refresher and I got it. love handles, no burping, no rubbing (knew this!) Sue

AngelsRN · Aug 25, 2006

I always give it in the abdomen, unless ordered otherwise. I had a doctor order it to be used in the upper extremities only bec of the severe edema and other issues a woman had in her abdomen and lower extremities

drabes818 · Jan 30, 2007

Of course the inserts state that the injections "should" be given in the abdomen. However, I just had a patient return to me with an absolutely grotesque abdomen - a result of improperly rotated sites, rubbing, etc. We, at my facility, have confirmed with 3 separate Pharmacists that while the abdomen is the preferred site for Lovenox injections, any subcutaneous site MAY be used, so long as the sites are rotated. Certainly the abdomen would employ the best absorption, but sometimes, in some situations...that is just simply contraindicated. So go nuts. Lovenox: It's not JUST for bellies anymore!!! :typing

veronica butterfly, ADN, RN · Jan 30, 2007

I've always given it in the abdomen in a good pinch of subq tissue. However, we recently had a patient who was in the hospital for a week with diverticulitis, then ended up perforating and had a colon resection. By day 10 he was begging us to put it in his arms. He was a big enough guy and had enough fat to give in the back of his arm so we did. It felt very strange. That was a lot of liquid compared to a few units of insulin....

KulRN · Feb 2, 2007

ok....I have this question regarding Lovenox administration....I know that we give it on the lateral aspect of the abdomen...but what if the patient receiving it is a post op abdominal surgery patient (like TAH or hemicolectomy etc)? I had a patient yesterday who was a 2-day post op TAH and stat lovenox shot was ordered (for suspected MI), I wasn't too sure if I should give it via her abdomen but I still gave it anyways...not I'm questioning myself? What do you guys think?

ginger58, ASN, RN · Feb 2, 2007

TammyWilson 808

As a gentle reader of this thread I really find your use of "Dear" condesending to the OP, as well as anyone else you might use it on. Spare us.

My original understanding from our Lovenox rep was that other sites run too much of a risk of hitting muscle. Lovenox was described as a "surgical knife" if injected into muscle.