Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: B - Aspirate for blood before injecting.
Rationale: Aspiration ensures the needle is not in a blood vessel, reducing the risk of injecting medication into the bloodstream. Step 1: Insert the needle into the muscle. Step 2: Pull back on the plunger gently, looking for blood return. If blood appears, reposition the needle. If no blood, inject medication slowly.
Summary:
A: Incorrect - A 23-gauge needle is too large for the deltoid muscle, use a 25-27 gauge needle.
C: Incorrect - Injecting rapidly can cause pain and tissue damage, inject medication slowly.
D: Incorrect - Cleanse the site with an alcohol pad, not soap and water.
Rationale: Aspiration ensures the needle is not in a blood vessel, reducing the risk of injecting medication into the bloodstream. Step 1: Insert the needle into the muscle. Step 2: Pull back on the plunger gently, looking for blood return. If blood appears, reposition the needle. If no blood, inject medication slowly.
Summary:
A: Incorrect - A 23-gauge needle is too large for the deltoid muscle, use a 25-27 gauge needle.
C: Incorrect - Injecting rapidly can cause pain and tissue damage, inject medication slowly.
D: Incorrect - Cleanse the site with an alcohol pad, not soap and water.