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: Weight loss is not a typical finding in a toddler who has heart failure. Weight gain due to fluid retention is more likely to occur. The nurse should monitor the toddler's weight and fluid intake and output regularly.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not a typical finding in a toddler who has heart failure. Tachycardia due to increased cardiac workload is more likely to occur. The nurse should monitor the toddler's heart rate and rhythm frequently.
Choice C reason: Increased urine output is not a typical finding in a toddler who has heart failure. Decreased urine output due to poor renal perfusion is more likely to occur. The nurse should monitor the toddler's urine specific gravity and electrolytes periodically.
Choice D reason: Orthopnea is a typical finding in a toddler who has heart failure. Orthopnea is the difficulty of breathing when lying flat. The nurse should elevate the toddler's head and chest to facilitate breathing and oxygenation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. The Pavlik harness is a device that holds the infant's hips in a flexed and abducted position to allow the femoral head to fit into the acetabulum. The harness should not be removed by the parents, as this may interfere with the treatment and cause complications. The nurse should instruct the parents to sponge bathe the infant while wearing the harness.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. The length of the straps of the Pavlik harness should not be adjusted by the parents, as this may affect the alignment and stability of the infant's hips. The nurse should instruct the parents to bring the infant to the provider's office regularly for check-ups and adjustments of the harness.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. Massaging the infant's skin under the straps of the Pavlik harness may cause irritation, friction, or pressure on the skin, which may lead to skin breakdown or infection. The nurse should instruct the parents to keep the infant's skin clean and dry, and to check for any signs of redness, swelling, or drainage.
Choice D reason: This is a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching. Placing the diaper under the straps of the Pavlik harness prevents the diaper from interfering with the position and function of the harness. The nurse should instruct the parents to change the diaper frequently and to avoid using bulky or cloth diapers.
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