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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The child has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is receiving chemotherapy and steroids, which can cause constipation. The nurse should monitor the child's bowel function and provide interventions such as fluids, fiber, and laxatives as prescribed, but this is not an urgent finding.
Choice B reason: The child is in the induction phase of treatment for ALL, which can be stressful and frightening for the child and the family. The child's crying and clinging behavior indicates anxiety and fear, which are normal reactions. The nurse should provide emotional support and education to the child and the guardian, but this is not an urgent finding.
Choice C reason: The child has a fever, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy and steroids. The nurse should assess the child for other signs of infection, administer antipyretics as prescribed, and monitor the child's vital signs, but this is not an urgent finding.
Choice D reason: The child has a double-lumen central line catheter in the left chest wall, which is a potential source of infection. The erythema and purulent drainage at the insertion site indicate that the child has a local infection, which can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate attention and treatment. The nurse should report this finding to the provider, obtain blood cultures, and administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Insulin therapy and fluid replacement are the main treatments for DKA, as they lower the blood glucose level and correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by osmotic diuresis and acidosis.
Choice B reason: Glucagon injection and potassium supplements are not indicated for DKA, as they may worsen the hyperglycemia and the hyperkalemia. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream, while potassium supplements may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C reason: Bicarbonate infusion and sodium restriction are not the first-line treatments for DKA, as they may have adverse effects on the acid-base balance and the fluid status. Bicarbonate infusion may cause paradoxical cerebral acidosis and hypokalemia, while sodium restriction may exacerbate the hyponatremia and the hypovolemia.
Choice D reason: Dextrose infusion and diuretics are contraindicated for DKA, as they may increase the blood glucose level and the dehydration. Dextrose infusion may trigger a rebound hyperglycemia, while diuretics may cause further fluid and electrolyte loss.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.