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. Cleaning and drying the area before applying the patch is essential to ensure proper adhesion and effectiveness of the medication. This statement indicates the client understands proper application procedures.
B. Using lotion on irritated skin before applying a new patch can interfere with the patch's ability to adhere and may affect medication absorption. Therefore, this statement indicates a lack of understanding.
C. Removing the old patch and applying a new one in the same location is generally not recommended because it can lead to skin irritation and decreased absorption. This indicates a misunderstanding of proper patch rotation.
D. While pressing the patch securely is important, it is not as critical as ensuring the skin is clean and dry before application. Thus, this statement alone does not indicate full understanding of the teaching.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Requesting a prescription for an oral formulation of the medication is the appropriate action, as sublingual medications are designed to dissolve under the tongue and bypass the gastrointestinal tract, which is not feasible with an NG tube in place.
B. Administering the medication under the client's tongue is incorrect because the NG tube prevents effective absorption through the sublingual route.
C. Dissolving the medication in water and giving it through the NG tube defeats the purpose of sublingual administration and may not provide the desired therapeutic effect.
D. Administering the crushed medication through the NG tube is inappropriate for sublingual medications, as this can alter the medication's pharmacokinetics and effectiveness.