Anticoagulant Injection Safety

Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin used to prevent or treat thrombosis. Its desired effect is reduced clot formation; its most serious hazard is bleeding. Safe administration therefore depends on more than giving the correct volume. The nurse must recognize the patient whose dose, timing, or concurrent medication makes a standard injection unsafe. Never administer enoxaparin intramuscularly. Muscle tissue is highly vascular, and an intramuscular injection can produce a deep hematoma that may be difficult to detect and control.