A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a client who is obese. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Select a 1-inch needle.
Use a 45° angle when inserting the needle.
Use the ventrogluteal site.
Pinch the skin up during injection.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Incorrect. A 1-inch needle may not be long enough to reach the muscle layer in an obese client, which may result in subcutaneous injection and reduced absorption of the medication.
B. Incorrect. A 45° angle may not be appropriate for an IM injection, as it may cause the needle to enter at an oblique angle and miss the muscle layer or hit a bone or nerve.
C. Correct. The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections in obese clients, as it has less subcutaneous fat and a large muscle mass that can accommodate larger volumes of medication.
D. Incorrect. Pinching the skin up during injection may cause the needle to enter at a shallow angle and deposit the medication in the subcutaneous tissue instead of the muscle layer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Weight loss is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause weight gain, not weight loss.
B. Jaundice is a sign of liver damage, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can impair fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, leading to hepatotoxicity and steatosis. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function tests and report any signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools .
C. Bradycardia is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause cardiac arrhythmias, but they are usually tachycardic, not bradycardic.
D. Polyuria is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hypernatremia and hypocalcemia, which can affect urine output, but polyuria is not a specific symptom of these electrolyte imbalances.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason
While thinning of secretions can be a positive sign, it's not always visible. A decrease in peak inspiratory pressure is a more objective indicator of improved airway patency.
Choice B reason.
Peak inspiratory pressure is the maximum pressure required to push air into the lungs. If suctioning is effective, it will remove secretions and reduce airway resistance, leading to a decrease in peak inspiratory pressure.
Choice C reason:
While a productive cough can indicate that secretions are being moved, it doesn't directly measure the effectiveness of suctioning.
Choice D reason:
Flattening of the artificial airway cuff: Flattening of the artificial airway cuff is not a relevant indicator of the effectiveness of suctioning. The cuff of an endotracheal tube is inflated to prevent air leaks around the tube and to maintain proper ventilation. It is not directly related to the effectiveness of suctioning.

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