A nurse is teaching a client about self-administering a subcutaneous injection to the abdomen. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choiced. “I will wear gloves when changing the client’s hospital gown.”

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning reusable equipment with isopropyl alcohol is not effective against Clostridium difficile spores. Equipment should be cleaned with a sporicidal disinfectant to ensure the removal of C.difficile spores.

Choice B rationale:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against C. difficile spores.Hand hygiene should be performed with soap and water after contact with the client or their environment.

Choice C rationale:

Wearing a mask within 3 feet of the client is not necessary for C. difficile infection, as it is not transmitted via respiratory droplets.The primary mode of transmission is through contact with contaminated surfaces or feces.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing gloves when changing the client’s hospital gown is essential to prevent the transmission of C. difficile spores.Gloves should be worn for all contact with the client or their environment

Choice A rationale:

Selecting an injection site on the abdomen 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus might be an appropriate instruction for some subcutaneous injections, but the specific injection site can vary based on the medication and client's needs. This choice is not a universal instruction for all subcutaneous injections.

Choice B rationale:

Expelling the air bubble from a prefilled syringe before injecting the medication is essential to ensure accurate dosing. Air bubbles can displace medication and lead to underdosing. This step is crucial for safe and effective administration.

Choice C rationale:

Aspirating prior to injecting medication is a technique used for intramuscular injections to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel. However, for subcutaneous injections, aspirating is not necessary or recommended, as it can cause tissue damage and discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting the needle at a 15° angle is not a standard practice for subcutaneous injections. Subcutaneous injections are typically administered at a 45° or 90° angle, depending on the needle length and client's body composition. A 15° angle would not ensure proper medication delivery.