What is one important postoperative care step after administering a subcutaneous injection?

Applying an adhesive bandage after administering a subcutaneous injection is an important postoperative care step for several reasons. First, it helps protect the injection site from external contaminants, reducing the risk of infection. A bandage can also serve to absorb any minor bleeding that may occur after the injection, providing a degree of wound care. Additionally, it can offer comfort to the patient by keeping the site clean and minimizing exposure to friction or irritation.

Instructing the patient to leave immediately is not a responsible follow-up step, as monitoring may be necessary to ensure the patient experiences no adverse reactions. Recapping the needle is generally discouraged because of the risk of needle-stick injuries. Injecting more fluid for hydration, unless specifically indicated by clinical protocols or the patient's condition, is not a standard practice following a routine subcutaneous injection. Thus, applying a bandage is the most appropriate action to support recovery and promote safety after the administration of the injection.