A nurse is planning to administer an IM injection into a client's deltoid muscle. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Inject the medication 12.7 cm (5 in) below the client's acromion process
Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection
Inject the medication at a 90-degree angle
Inject a volume of less than 2 mL
The Correct Answer is D
A. Injecting the medication 12.7 cm (5 in) below the acromion process is incorrect; the injection site should be approximately 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) below the acromion process.
B. A 21-gauge needle may be appropriate for some IM injections, but a 23- to 25-gauge needle is commonly used for deltoid injections due to the smaller muscle mass.
C. While IM injections into the deltoid are typically given at a 90-degree angle, the volume of medication is the critical factor for this injection site.
D. Injecting a volume of less than 2 mL is correct, as the deltoid muscle can accommodate this amount effectively, while larger volumes should be administered in larger muscles like the vastus lateralis or gluteus medius.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obtaining the client's consent is the responsibility of the provider, not the nurse. The nurse should ensure the client is informed but cannot independently obtain consent.
B. It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to explain the procedure in detail; this is the responsibility of the healthcare provider. The nurse can clarify information if the client has questions but should not assume the role of the educator regarding the procedure.
C. Witnessing the client's signature is an appropriate action for the nurse once the client has received information from the provider and understands the procedure, as it confirms that the client voluntarily consents.
D. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure is also the responsibility of the healthcare provider, as they are the ones performing the procedure and are qualified to discuss it in detail.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Assessing the pedal pulses with a Doppler device is not necessary in this situation; the focus should be on the apical pulse due to the irregularity noted in the radial pulse.
B. Assessing the pedal pulses for a full minute does not address the irregularity of the radial pulse and is not the priority.
C. While assessing the apical pulse is appropriate, using a Doppler device is not required unless there are difficulties in obtaining the pulse normally.
D. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute is the correct action because it provides a more accurate reflection of the heart's rhythm and rate, especially when there is an irregular radial pulse.