The nurse is to administer 3 mL of medication intramuscularly to an adult patient. Which is the appropriate site for the injection?
Dorsal gluteal
Deltoid
Vastus lateralis
Lateral piriformis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The dorsal gluteal site (also known as the dorsogluteal site) was previously a common injection site, but it's now not recommended due to several significant risks:
Proximity to the sciatic nerve: The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, and it runs close to the dorsal gluteal site. Accidental injection into or near the nerve can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.
Difficulty in locating landmarks: The landmarks for the dorsal gluteal site can be difficult to locate accurately, especially in obese patients or those with decreased muscle mass. This increases the risk of injecting into the wrong area.
Risk of injury to blood vessels: The dorsal gluteal site also has a higher risk of injury to blood vessels, as several large vessels run through the area.
Choice B rationale:
The deltoid muscle is located in the upper arm and is a common site for intramuscular injections, but it has limitations for larger volumes:
Small muscle size: The deltoid muscle is relatively small compared to other IM injection sites. It's generally recommended for smaller volumes of medication (up to 1 mL in adults).
Subcutaneous tissue: The deltoid muscle often has a layer of subcutaneous tissue (fat) that can hinder absorption of medication.
Choice C rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in adults for several reasons:
Large muscle size: It's a large, thick muscle that can accommodate larger volumes of medication (up to 5 mL in adults). Easy to locate landmarks: The landmarks for the vastus lateralis are easy to identify, even in obese patients.
Few major nerves or blood vessels: It has fewer major nerves or blood vessels in the area, reducing the risk of injury. Pain tolerance: It's generally considered to be a less painful injection site than the deltoid or dorsogluteal sites.
Choice D rationale:
The lateral piriformis muscle is not a recognized or recommended site for intramuscular injections. It's a deep muscle located in the buttocks, and injecting into it would be difficult and potentially dangerous due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve and other important structures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Side effect: A side effect is an effect of a drug that is secondary to the main intended effect. It is usually predictable and may be either beneficial or harmful. However, constipation is not a common or expected side effect of iron supplements. It is more likely to be an adverse reaction.
Choice B rationale:
Therapeutic effect: The therapeutic effect is the intended effect of a drug, the one that is desired to treat the condition. In this case, the therapeutic effect of the iron supplement would be to increase the patient's iron levels. Constipation is not the desired effect of the iron supplement, so it is not a therapeutic effect.
Choice C rationale:
Adverse reaction: An adverse reaction is an unwanted or harmful reaction to a drug that is not necessarily predictable. It can range from mild to severe. Constipation is a common adverse reaction to iron supplements. It is thought to be caused by the iron binding to undigested food in the intestines, making it harder to pass stool.
Choice D rationale:
Toxicity: Toxicity refers to a poisonous or harmful effect of a drug. It is usually caused by taking too much of a drug or by a drug interacting with another drug or substance. Constipation is not a sign of iron toxicity. Iron toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Generic drugs are chemically identical to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they have the same active ingredients, dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. They are considered therapeutically equivalent to brand-name drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Here are the key reasons why a patient would likely receive a generic version if the insurance company declines to cover the brand-name drug:
Cost: Generic drugs are significantly less expensive than brand-name drugs. This is because generic drug manufacturers do not have to repeat the extensive research and development costs associated with the original brand-name drug. They can enter the market after the brand-name drug's patent expires, leading to substantial cost savings.
Insurance Coverage: Insurance companies often have preferred drug lists (formularies) that prioritize generic drugs due to their cost-effectiveness. If a brand-name drug is not on the formulary or requires a high co-pay, the insurance company may encourage or even require the use of a generic alternative to manage costs.
Availability: Generic drugs are often widely available in pharmacies, making them readily accessible to patients. This availability further contributes to their cost-effectiveness and convenience.
I'm unable to provide lengthy rationales for the other choices as they are not relevant to the correct answer.
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.