The nurse administers a medication to the patient.
Which symptoms indicate that the patient is having an allergic reaction rather than a side effect?

Choice A rationale:

A lactose-free diet does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that does not affect blood clotting or the ability to receive acupuncture safely.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and do not typically cause bleeding. Even if minor bleeding occurs, it is not a concern for individuals without bleeding disorders.

Therefore, a lactose-free diet does not pose a risk for acupuncture.

Choice B rationale:

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the skin. This can cause minor bleeding, even when performed correctly.

In individuals with thrombocytopenia, even minor bleeding can be difficult to control and may lead to excessive bruising or hematoma formation.

Therefore, thrombocytopenia is a contraindication to acupuncture therapy due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.

Choice C rationale:

Herniated lumbar disks are a common condition that can cause back pain. Acupuncture is often used to treat back pain, including pain caused by herniated disks.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with herniated disks.

Therefore, the presence of herniated lumbar disks does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Latex and strawberry allergies are not contraindications to acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, which does not contain latex.

Additionally, acupuncture does not involve the use of strawberries or any other substances that are common allergens. Therefore, latex and strawberry allergies do not pose a risk for acupuncture.

Choice A rationale:

Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. This route is not appropriate for insulin because it would result in a rapid and potentially dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. Insulin needs to be absorbed more slowly to mimic the natural release of insulin from the pancreas.

IV administration also requires sterile technique and specialized equipment, making it more complex and time-consuming than subcutaneous injection.

Additionally, there is a higher risk of infection and other complications with IV administration.

Choice B rationale:

The vastus lateralis is a muscle in the thigh that is commonly used for intramuscular (IM) injections. However, IM injections are not typically used for insulin administration because they can be more painful and have a slower absorption rate than subcutaneous injections.

IM injections also carry a higher risk of hitting a blood vessel, which could lead to erratic absorption of insulin.

Choice D rationale:

The deltoid is a muscle in the upper arm that can be used for subcutaneous injections. However, the abdomen is generally the preferred site for insulin injection because it has a greater amount of subcutaneous fat, which helps to slow the absorption of insulin and provide a more consistent effect.

The abdomen is also a more convenient site for self-injection, as it is easily accessible.

Choice C rationale:

The fatty tissue of the abdomen is the ideal site for subcutaneous insulin injection because it provides slow and consistent absorption of insulin.

The abdomen has a rich blood supply, which helps to distribute the insulin throughout the body.

The subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen is relatively thin, which makes it easy to inject insulin without causing pain or discomfort.

The abdomen is also a large area, which allows for multiple injection sites to be used and rotated to prevent lipohypertrophy (thickening of the subcutaneous tissue).