A nurse is obtaining the length and weight of a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is not a correct statement by the child. The child should take their regular insulin as prescribed, even when they are sick. Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy and prevents high blood sugar levels, which can cause complications. The child may need to adjust their insulin dose or frequency depending on their blood glucose levels, food intake, and activity level.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement by the child. The child should not store unopened bottles of insulin in the freezer. Freezing can damage the insulin and make it ineffective. The child should store unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator, away from direct light and heat. The child should store opened bottles of insulin at room temperature and discard them after 28 days.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct statement by the child. The child's morning blood glucose should be between 70 and 110 mg/dL, according to the American Diabetes Association. A blood glucose level between 90 and 130 mg/dL may indicate that the child has hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, hunger, fatigue, and frequent urination.

Choice D reason: This is a correct statement by the child. The child should eat a snack half an hour before playing soccer or engaging in any physical activity. Physical activity lowers blood glucose levels, and a snack can help prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, and confusion.

Choice A reason: Using a 20 gauge needle is not the best action, as it is too large for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. A 20 gauge needle has a diameter of 0.9 mm, which may cause more pain and tissue damage. A smaller gauge needle, such as a 23 or 25 gauge, is recommended for intramuscular injections in children.

Choice B reason: Inserting the needle just below the acromion process is not the best action, as it may not reach the deltoid muscle. The acromion process is the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder. The deltoid muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, about two finger widths below the acromion process. The nurse should palpate the acromion process and measure the distance to the injection site.

Choice C reason: Inserting the needle at a 15 degree angle is not the best action, as it may not penetrate the muscle tissue. A 15 degree angle is used for intradermal injections, which are given into the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. Intramuscular injections are given into the muscle tissue, which requires a 90 degree angle. The nurse should hold the syringe perpendicular to the skin and insert the needle quickly and firmly.

Choice D reason: Using a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is the best action, as it is the appropriate length for a preschooler's deltoid muscle. The length of the needle should be based on the child's age, weight, and muscle mass. A 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle is suitable for children who weigh less than 12 kg (26 lb). A longer needle, such as a 2.5 mm (1 in) needle, may be used for children who weigh more than 12 kg (26 lb).