1. 1. Lovenox Mollie Hayes, RN
2. 2. Reasons to Use Lovenox Prophylaxis of DVT, w/ or w/o pulmonary embolism Patients undergoing abdominal surgery Patients at risk for clotting issues while being immobile
3. 3. Preparation First, clean and dry your hands. This is a practice that should be followed in any medical endeavour. Second, put the patient in a comfortable position that exposes the abdomen.
4. 4. Prepping the Patient Select an area of the abdomen about two inches from the belly button, on either the left or right side. Then, cleanse the selected area with alcohol and give time for it to dry.
5. 5. Prepping the Syringe The needle cap needs to be removed, so pull it away from the syringe. Keep the needle cap straight while pulling, so you do not damage the needle. Afterward, discard the needle cap into a sharp item collector.
6. 6. Holding the Needle Take the syringe, now free of its cap, in your hand. The syringe should be held in much the same way that a pencil is held.
7. 7. Injection Process Begin the injection by inserting the syringe at a 90 degree angle into the folded area of skin you have made. Focus on inserting the needle fully into the folded skin. Apply pressure to the plunger and push it down until the syringe has been depleted.
8. 8. After the Injection Once the injection is complete, remove the needle from the skin. Do not move around the needle by keeping it straight. Also, pay attention and be certain that it is withdrawn at the same 90 degree angle that was made upon beginning injection.
9. 9. Afterward Once the needle is removed from the patient, keep the needle pointed away from other people and yourself. Activate the syringe's safety shield by pushing down the needle's plunger. Finally, dispose of the empty syringe in a sharp item collector.
10. 10. For Additional Information... For visual learners or those who desire a visual demonstration, there is a link to a video below that contains additional information on Lovenox and how to inject it. Lovenox - Step by Step Injection GuideLovenox - Step by Step Injection Guide
11. 11. References Healthbleep.com Healthcare Videos and More. 2012, February 21. Lovenox enoxaparin sodium injection Step by Step Self Injection Guide. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJfzh6hacLM&feature=youtu.be&t=4m17s How to Self Inject Guide. (n.d.) Retrieved June 15, 2015, from http://www.lovenox.com.