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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The statement “The client should first move the strong leg then the weak one” is not the best practice when using a cane. The client should move the cane and the weak leg forward at the same time, then move the strong leg.
Choice B rationale
The statement “When the client moves, he should move the cane forward first” is the correct practice. Moving the cane first provides stability and support for the next step.
Choice C rationale
The statement “The client should hold the cane on the weak side of his body” is not the correct practice. The cane should be held on the strong side of the body to provide support for the weak side.
Choice D rationale
The statement “The grip should be level with the client’s waist” is a good practice, but it’s not the best answer for this question. The grip of the cane should be at the level of the client’s wrist when the client’s arm is hanging down. This allows the client to maintain a slight bend in their elbow when holding the cane.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The prone position, which involves lying flat on the stomach, is not typically recommended for a child with respiratory failure due to pneumonia. While prone positioning can be beneficial in
certain cases of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, it does not generally allow for maximal lung expansion.
Choice B rationale
The supine position, which involves lying flat on the back, is not typically recommended for a child with respiratory failure due to pneumonia. This position can make it more difficult for the lungs to expand fully, potentially worsening respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
The side-lying position is not typically recommended for a child with respiratory failure due to pneumonia. While this position can be comfortable for resting, it does not generally allow for maximal lung expansion.
Choice D rationale
The upright position is typically recommended for a child with respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Sitting upright can help to maximize lung expansion and improve oxygenation.
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.
