A nurse admits a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). During each phase of treatment, which would most likely be seen periodically?

Choice A reason: Consents for surgery involve legal and procedural details, typically handled by providers, not nurses. Educating on growth and development is within nursing scope, making this incorrect, as it exceeds the nurse’s role in instructing families of a child with a chronic illness.

Choice B reason: Instructing on growth and development changes helps parents understand their child’s progress despite chronic illness, within the nurse’s educational role. This aligns with pediatric nursing practice, making it the correct situation for the nurse to provide instruction in the pediatrician’s office.

Choice C reason: Explaining diagnostic tests and lab work is typically the provider’s responsibility, as it involves medical interpretation. Growth and development education is nurse-appropriate, making this incorrect, as it falls outside the nurse’s primary instructional role for the chronically ill child’s family.

Choice D reason: Diagnosing secondary problems is a medical responsibility, not within nursing scope for instruction. Growth and development guidance is nurse-led, making this incorrect, as it involves diagnostic communication beyond the nurse’s role in educating the family of the chronically ill child.

Choice A reason: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections in infants, as it is well-developed, has minimal nerves and vessels, and accommodates safe volumes. This aligns with pediatric nursing injection guidelines, making it the best choice for a 3-month-old receiving an antibiotic intramuscularly.

Choice B reason: The deltoid muscle is underdeveloped in a 3-month-old, with insufficient muscle mass for safe IM injections. The vastus lateralis is safer and more developed, making this incorrect, as the deltoid risks injury or inadequate drug absorption in infants receiving intramuscular injections.

Choice C reason: The dorsogluteal muscle is avoided in infants due to proximity to the sciatic nerve and underdeveloped gluteal mass, risking nerve damage. The vastus lateralis is safer, making this incorrect for a 3-month-old, as it poses significant safety concerns for IM antibiotic injections.

Choice D reason: The ventrogluteal muscle is safe in older children but less accessible in infants due to small muscle mass and positioning challenges. The vastus lateralis is preferred for its accessibility and safety, making this incorrect for a 3-month-old’s IM antibiotic injection in clinical practice.