A nurse is preparing to administer a vaccine into the deltoid muscle of a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a 20 gauge needle
Insert the needle just below the acromion process
Insert the needle at a 15 degree angle
Use a 1.8 mm (0.5 in) needle
The Correct Answer is D
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).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a contraindication for the MMR immunization, which is a live attenuated vaccine. A child who has a congenital immunodeficiency may not be able to mount an adequate immune response to the vaccine and may be at risk of developing the diseases from the vaccine.
Choice B reason: This is not a contraindication for the MMR immunization. A mild fever after a previous immunization is not a sign of an allergic reaction or a serious adverse effect. The child can still receive the MMR immunization as long as they do not have a moderate or severe illness.
Choice C reason: This is not a contraindication for the MMR immunization. Taking antibiotics for otitis media does not interfere with the effectiveness or safety of the vaccine. The child can still receive the MMR immunization as long as they do not have a moderate or severe illness.
Choice D reason: This is not a contraindication for the MMR immunization. A mild cough and a low-grade fever are not signs of a moderate or severe illness that would prevent the child from receiving the vaccine. The child can still receive the MMR immunization as long as they do not have any other contraindications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Leukemia is not a probable condition, as it is a cancer of the white blood cells that causes abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature or dysfunctional white blood cells. The child has a high WBC count, which can indicate leukemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of leukemia, such as bleeding, bruising, bone pain, or lymphadenopathy.
Choice B reason: Sickle cell anemia is a possible condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the shape and function of the red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and rigid. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, and a fever, tachycardia, and low oxygen saturation, which can indicate a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is a condition where the sickle-shaped red blood cells block the blood flow and cause tissue ischemia and inflammation.
Choice C reason: Hemophilia is not a likely condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the clotting factors, causing impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, but not necessarily hemophilia. The child does not have other signs of hemophilia, such as bleeding, bruising, hemarthrosis, or hematuria.
Choice D reason: Iron deficiency anemia is not a definite condition, as it is a type of anemia that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate iron deficiency anemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of iron deficiency anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, weakness, or pica.
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