When administering subcutaneous heparin to an elderly client, which action should the nurse prioritize for safety?

The priority action for safety when administering subcutaneous heparin to an elderly client is to double-check the dosage with another nurse. This is crucial because heparin is an anticoagulant that carries a risk of serious bleeding if not dosed correctly. Ensuring accuracy by having another nurse verify the dosage helps mitigate the risk of medication errors, which is particularly important for a population like the elderly that may have altered pharmacokinetics and increased susceptibility to side effects.

Using the anterior iliac crest area for injection is not the preferred site for subcutaneous heparin administration, as the abdomen is commonly recommended due to its ability to absorb the medication effectively and reduce the risk of injury. The needle gauge and length, while relevant, are less critical than verifying the dosage to ensure patient safety. Moreover, the interaction of heparin with other medications, such as cephalosporins, is important to consider but does not take precedence over verifying the correct dose.