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 B
Explanation
A. While performing ROM exercises is important for maintaining joint function and circulation, it is not the immediate priority compared to assessing respiratory status.
B. Auscultating breath sounds at least every 2 hours is crucial to monitor for any signs of respiratory compromise, which is a common concern in immobile clients due to the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia.
C. Ensuring adequate fluid intake is important for hydration and preventing complications but is secondary to assessing respiratory function.
D. Applying anti-embolic stockings is important for preventing venous thromboembolism, but respiratory assessment takes precedence in the context of immobility.