I was taught in nursing school to put a small air lock or (air bubble) to lock SubQ Heparin into the subq tissue. I know it is the standard with Lovenox of course because of it's low molecular wt. I have researched it on the internet and seen articles that teach pt's to use the air lock method, although most do not add this step. I asked several of the more experience nurses on my unit and almost half said they do, the other half gave me a scolding as a new nurse that that should never be done.What do you do? Also, do you know of any reliable sources or articles that have the most updated info?I have found a couple sites that reguard to using an airlock with subq Heparin, but I can't find why specifically it would be contraindicated.The patient teaching sheet is from the UCDavis Health Systems websitehttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cne/Health Education/PtHndOut/subQhep.pdfThe research article is from the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing website. http://www.stti.iupui.edu/library/ojksn/articles/030001.pdf Thanks,Jennifer
koffeelover 7 Posts May 7, 2005 Hello Jennifer82: I was also taught that and have always made it my practice and have very few bruised sites. Good luck w/your career.I was taught in nursing school to put a small air lock or (air bubble) to lock SubQ Heparin into the subq tissue. I know it is the standard with Lovenox of course because of it's low molecular wt. I have researched it on the internet and seen articles that teach pt's to use the air lock method, although most do not add this step. I asked several of the more experience nurses on my unit and almost half said they do, the other half gave me a scolding as a new nurse that that should never be done.What do you do? Also, do you know of any reliable sources or articles that have the most updated info?I have found a couple sites that reguard to using an airlock with subq Heparin, but I can't find why specifically it would be contraindicated.The patient teaching sheet is from the UCDavis Health Systems websitewww.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cne/Health Education/PtHndOut/subQhep.pdfThe research article is from the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing website. www.stti.iupui.edu/library/ojksn/articles/030001.pdf Thanks,Jennifer
Jen04 nurse 12 Posts May 8, 2005 How does everyone else do it? I am really wanting to know since I am a new nurse and my supervisor really embarassed me and told me I was never supposed to give Heparin with an air lock. Anyone know, why or why not?I was taught in nursing school to put a small air lock or (air bubble) to lock SubQ Heparin into the subq tissue. I know it is the standard with Lovenox of course because of it's low molecular wt. I have researched it on the internet and seen articles that teach pt's to use the air lock method, although most do not add this step. I asked several of the more experience nurses on my unit and almost half said they do, the other half gave me a scolding as a new nurse that that should never be done.What do you do? Also, do you know of any reliable sources or articles that have the most updated info?I have found a couple sites that reguard to using an airlock with subq Heparin, but I can't find why specifically it would be contraindicated.The patient teaching sheet is from the UCDavis Health Systems websitehttp://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cne/Health Education/PtHndOut/subQhep.pdfThe research article is from the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing website. http://www.stti.iupui.edu/library/ojksn/articles/030001.pdf Thanks,Jennifer
Jen04 nurse 12 Posts May 8, 2005 Hello Jennifer82: I was also taught that and have always made it my practice and have very few bruised sites. Good luck w/your career.Thanks so much for in the info & encouragement! :)Jennifer
jayne109, RN 141 Posts Specializes in ER/PDN. Has 6 years experience. May 8, 2005 I wasn't taught the air-lock method but it makes sense. After all, you're supposed to put an airlock in Lovenox and it is in the same family.Just a thought.Melissa
