A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of heparin to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Aspirate before administering the medication: Aspirating is not recommended for subcutaneous heparin injections, as it can increase the risk of tissue trauma and hematoma formation. Proper technique involves pinching the tissue and injecting slowly without aspiration. B. Monitor INR levels: INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Heparin therapy is typically monitored using aPTT or anti-Xa levels depending on the protocol, so INR monitoring is not appropriate in this context. C. Withhold the medication for an elevated platelet count: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a concern when platelet counts drop, not when they are elevated. Withholding heparin for high platelet counts is unnecessary. D. Validate the dosage with a second nurse: Heparin is considered a high-alert medication, and verifying the correct dosage with a second nurse helps prevent medication errors and enhances client safety during administration.