How do you position the needle when administering LMWH?

When administering low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), positioning the needle at a 90-degree angle is the correct approach. This angle ensures that the needle enters the subcutaneous tissue directly, allowing the medication to be deposited correctly into the fatty layer beneath the skin.

This technique is particularly important because LMWH is often administered in the abdominal area, where subcutaneous fat is usually abundant. Injecting at a 90-degree angle minimizes the chance of hitting muscle tissue, which can lead to pain and bruising as well as ineffective absorption of the medication. Additionally, this angle helps in delivering the entire dose of the medication efficiently and effectively.

In contrast, other angles, such as 45 or 30 degrees, do not effectively penetrate the subcutaneous layer or may inadvertently inject into muscle tissue, compromising the effectiveness of the LMWH and potentially increasing discomfort for the patient. Therefore, the proper technique is critical for both safety and efficacy in the administration of this medication.