A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a client who is obese. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Select a 1-inch needle.
Use a 45° angle when inserting the needle.
Use the ventrogluteal site.
Pinch the skin up during injection.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Incorrect. A 1-inch needle may not be long enough to reach the muscle layer in an obese client, which may result in subcutaneous injection and reduced absorption of the medication.
B. Incorrect. A 45° angle may not be appropriate for an IM injection, as it may cause the needle to enter at an oblique angle and miss the muscle layer or hit a bone or nerve.
C. Correct. The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in obese clients, as it has less subcutaneous fat and a large muscle mass that can accommodate larger volumes of medication.
D. Incorrect. Pinching the skin up during injection may cause the needle to enter at a shallow angle and deposit the medication in the subcutaneous tissue instead of the muscle layer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The frequency in which the client presses the call button is not a priority for the change-of-shift report, as it does not indicate the level of pain or comfort of the client. This choice is incorrect.
B. The client's most recent ventilator settings are not applicable, as the client was weaned from mechanical ventilation and no longer requires it. This choice is incorrect.
C. The time of the client's last dose of pain medication is important for the change-of-shift report, as it helps to ensure continuity of care and prevent under- or over-medication of the client. This choice is correct.
D. The last time the provider evaluated the client is not relevant for the change-of-shift report, as it does not reflect the current status of the client. This choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A radial pulse is the pulse felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It is one of the most common sites for measuring a person's heart rate⁴.
To measure a radial pulse, the examiner should place two or three fingers over the radial artery, just below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure until a pulsation is felt. The examiner should not use the thumb, as it has its own pulse and may interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The examiner should count the number of beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, depending on the regularity and rate of the pulse³⁵.
In the picture, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is using the thumb to measure the radial pulse, which is incorrect. The practical nurse (PN) should demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP and explain why using the thumb is not appropriate. This will help to ensure that the UAP obtains an accurate and reliable pulse rate for the client.
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