A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K by IM injection to a newborn. The nurse should administer the medication into which of the following muscles?
Dorsogluteal
Vastus lateralis
Deltoid
Ventrogluteal
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
The dorsogluteal muscle is not recommended for intramuscular injections in newborns due to the risk of damaging the sciatic nerve. Additionally, this muscle is not well-developed in newborns, making it a less effective site for medication absorption.
Choice B reason:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the lateral aspect of the thigh, is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in newborns. This muscle is well-developed at birth, providing a large and safe area for the injection. It also has fewer major blood vessels and nerves, reducing the risk of injury. The vastus lateralis muscle ensures effective absorption of the medication, making it the optimal choice for administering vitamin K to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).

Choice C reason:
The deltoid muscle is not typically used for intramuscular injections in newborns because it is relatively small and underdeveloped at birth. This muscle is more suitable for older children and adults, where it can accommodate larger volumes of medication without causing discomfort or injury.
Choice D reason:
The ventrogluteal muscle is another site that is not commonly used for newborns. While it is a safe and effective site for intramuscular injections in older children and adults, it is not as easily accessible in newborns. The vastus lateralis remains the preferred site due to its size and ease of access.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
An increase in lochia is not an indicator of methylergonovine’s effectiveness. Methylergonovine is used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing the uterus to contract. An increase in lochia could indicate ongoing bleeding, which would suggest that the medication is not working effectively.
Choice B Reason:
A report of absent breast pain is unrelated to the effectiveness of methylergonovine. This medication specifically targets uterine contractions to control bleeding and does not have a direct effect on breast pain.
Choice C Reason:
An increase in blood pressure can be a side effect of methylergonovine, but it is not an indicator of its effectiveness in controlling postpartum hemorrhage. The primary goal of the medication is to ensure the uterus contracts properly to prevent excessive bleeding.
Choice D Reason:
A fundus that is firm to palpation indicates that the uterus is contracting effectively, which is the desired outcome of administering methylergonovine. This finding suggests that the medication is working to control postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Reddened with a small amount of bloody drainage is a common finding immediately after circumcision. However, this is not the expected appearance after the initial healing phase. The presence of bloody drainage should decrease over time, and the site should begin to show signs of healing.
Choice B Reason:
Pink without drainage is not typical immediately after circumcision. The surgical site will usually be red and may have some drainage as part of the normal healing process. A completely pink and dry site would be expected only after full healing has occurred.
Choice C Reason:
Reddened with a scant amount of yellow exudate is the expected appearance during the healing process. The yellow exudate is part of the normal healing response and should not be mistaken for infection. This exudate typically appears within the first few days after circumcision and indicates that the healing process is progressing normally.
Choice D Reason:
Reddened, with copious blood is not normal and indicates a potential complication. Copious bleeding from the circumcision site requires immediate medical attention as it may suggest an issue with clotting or a problem with the surgical site.
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