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 A
Explanation
A. Checking the client for allergies is the first step in ensuring the safety of medication administration; it is crucial to verify that the client does not have any known allergies to the medication before proceeding.
B. Documenting that the medication was administered should occur after the medication has been given, not before.
C. Mixing the medication at the client’s bedside is an important step, but it should be done only after confirming that the medication is appropriate for the client.
D. Determining the client's response to the medication occurs after administration, making it a follow-up action rather than a first step.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first and most immediate action to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury.
B. Going to employee health services is necessary but should follow immediate first aid measures.
C. Completing an incident report is important for documentation and accountability but is not the immediate priority after a needle-stick injury.
D. Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is necessary for proper protocol but does not take precedence over ensuring the injury is properly cleaned first.