A nurse is preparing to administer an intradermal injection for a client who requires a tuberculin skin test. What actions should the nurse plan to take?
Place a 1-inch needle on the syringe.
Hold the syringe at a 20° angle to the client’s skin.
Draw up 0.5 mL of purified protein derivative (PPD) from the vial.
Pinch the skin at the chosen site with the non-dominant hand before inserting the needle.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: A 1-inch needle is typically used for intramuscular injections, not intradermal administration. Intradermal injections require a short, fine-gauge needle—usually ¼ to ⅝ inch in length and 25 to 27 gauge—to ensure accurate placement within the dermis. Using a longer needle increases the risk of injecting into subcutaneous tissue, which alters absorption and invalidates the test. Scientific technique demands precise needle selection based on anatomical depth and pharmacokinetics of the test substance.
Choice B rationale: A 20° angle is inappropriate for intradermal injections, which require a shallow angle of 5° to 15° to ensure deposition within the dermal layer. Angles greater than 15° risk penetrating into subcutaneous tissue, compromising test accuracy and absorption kinetics. The dermis is a narrow layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous fat, and precise angulation is critical for forming the characteristic wheal and ensuring localized immune response. Scientific technique mandates strict adherence to angle parameters.
Choice C rationale: The standard volume for a tuberculin skin test using purified protein derivative (PPD) is 0.1 mL, not 0.5 mL. Administering 0.5 mL would exceed the recommended dose, potentially causing excessive local reaction, invalid test results, and patient discomfort. The Mantoux method requires exact dosing to elicit a controlled immune response for accurate interpretation. Scientific protocol emphasizes precision in volume to maintain test validity and minimize adverse effects. Overdosing violates established guidelines.
Choice D rationale: Pinching or gently pulling the skin taut at the injection site stabilizes the dermal layer and facilitates correct needle placement. This technique ensures the needle enters at the proper angle and depth, allowing formation of a visible wheal, which confirms intradermal delivery. It also minimizes patient discomfort and prevents misplacement into deeper tissues. Scientific technique for intradermal injections prioritizes anatomical control and tactile feedback to optimize accuracy and diagnostic reliability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Antimicrobial dressings are typically used for wounds that are infected or at high risk of infection. A stage I pressure ulcer, which involves intact skin with non-blanchable redness, would not typically require an antimicrobial dressing.
Choice B rationale
Wet-to-dry dressings are used for mechanical debridement of wounds with necrotic tissue. A stage I pressure ulcer does not involve necrotic tissue, so this type of dressing would not be appropriate.
Choice C rationale
Transparent dressings are often used for stage I pressure ulcers. They provide a protective layer over the wound, promoting a moist environment and facilitating the healing process.
Choice D rationale
Dry, sterile dressings are typically used for wounds that need to be kept dry. A stage I pressure ulcer benefits from a moist healing environment, which can be provided by a transparent dressing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that a nasal cannula allows the patient to remove it for a while when it gets uncomfortable, this is not the primary reason for using a nasal cannula. The main purpose of a nasal cannula is to deliver oxygen.
Choice B rationale
A nasal cannula delivers the low concentration of oxygen that the patient needs. It is designed to provide a specific amount of oxygen, and the flow rate can be adjusted as needed.
Choice C rationale
While a nasal cannula does deliver a specific concentration of oxygen, it does not do so constantly. The amount of oxygen delivered can vary depending on the patient’s breathing rate and depth.
Choice D rationale
A nasal cannula does not deliver the highest concentration of oxygen possible. Other devices, such as non-rebreather masks, can deliver higher concentrations of oxygen.
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