A nurse is preparing to administer a vaccine into the deltoid muscle of a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a 20 gauge needle
Insert the needle just below the acromion process
Insert the needle at a 15 degree angle
Use a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Using a 20 gauge needle is not the best action, as it is too large for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. A 20 gauge needle has a diameter of 0.9 mm, which may cause more pain and tissue damage. A smaller gauge needle, such as a 23 or 25 gauge, is recommended for intramuscular injections in children.
Choice B reason: Inserting the needle just below the acromion process is not the best action, as it may not reach the deltoid muscle. The acromion process is the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder. The deltoid muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, about two finger widths below the acromion process. The nurse should palpate the acromion process and measure the distance to the injection site.
Choice C reason: Inserting the needle at a 15 degree angle is not the best action, as it may not penetrate the muscle tissue. A 15 degree angle is used for intradermal injections, which are given into the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. Intramuscular injections are given into the muscle tissue, which requires a 90 degree angle. The nurse should hold the syringe perpendicular to the skin and insert the needle quickly and firmly.
Choice D reason: Using a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is the best action, as it is the appropriate length for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. The length of the needle should be based on the child's age, weight, and muscle mass. A 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is suitable for children who weigh less than 12 kg (26 lb). A longer needle, such as a 2.5 mm (1 in) needle, may be used for children who weigh more than 12 kg (26 lb).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The American format for writing dates is month/day/year, so 2/20/2024 is the correct way to write the date February 20, 2024.
Choice B reason: The European format for writing dates is day/month/year, so 20/2/2024 is not the correct way to write the date in the American format.
Choice C reason: The ISO format for writing dates is year/month/day, so 2024/2/20 is not the correct way to write the date in the American format.
Choice D reason: This is an invalid format for writing dates, as there is no month with 20 days.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Acetaminophen suppository is not a likely prescription, as it is used to reduce fever and pain, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has a high axillary temperature of 39.5°C (103.1°F), which is not considered a fever in children under 2 years old. The normal axillary temperature range for children is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
Choice B reason: Oral rehydration solution is not a probable prescription, as it is used to prevent or treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has a normal respiratory rate of 22/min and oxygen saturation of 98%, which indicate adequate hydration and oxygenation.
Choice C reason: Nebulized albuterol is a possible prescription, as it is used to treat bronchospasm, which is a common complication of respiratory infections in children. The toddler has a high apical heart rate of 142/min, which may indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia. The toddler is also pulling at his ear, which may indicate an ear infection or pain.
Choice D reason: Intravenous antibiotics are not a likely prescription, as they are used to treat bacterial infections, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has no signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as purulent discharge, foul odor, or localized inflammation. The toddler may have a viral infection, which does not respond to antibiotics.
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