A nurse is preparing to administer an intradermal injection for a client who requires a tuberculin skin test. What actions should the nurse plan to take?
Place a 1-inch needle on the syringe.
Hold the syringe at a 20° angle to the client’s skin.
Draw up 0.5 mL of purified protein derivative (PPD) from the vial.
Pinch the skin at the chosen site with the non-dominant hand before inserting the needle.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: A 1-inch needle is typically used for intramuscular injections, not intradermal administration. Intradermal injections require a short, fine-gauge needle—usually ¼ to ⅝ inch in length and 25 to 27 gauge—to ensure accurate placement within the dermis. Using a longer needle increases the risk of injecting into subcutaneous tissue, which alters absorption and invalidates the test. Scientific technique demands precise needle selection based on anatomical depth and pharmacokinetics of the test substance.
Choice B rationale: A 20° angle is inappropriate for intradermal injections, which require a shallow angle of 5° to 15° to ensure deposition within the dermal layer. Angles greater than 15° risk penetrating into subcutaneous tissue, compromising test accuracy and absorption kinetics. The dermis is a narrow layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous fat, and precise angulation is critical for forming the characteristic wheal and ensuring localized immune response. Scientific technique mandates strict adherence to angle parameters.
Choice C rationale: The standard volume for a tuberculin skin test using purified protein derivative (PPD) is 0.1 mL, not 0.5 mL. Administering 0.5 mL would exceed the recommended dose, potentially causing excessive local reaction, invalid test results, and patient discomfort. The Mantoux method requires exact dosing to elicit a controlled immune response for accurate interpretation. Scientific protocol emphasizes precision in volume to maintain test validity and minimize adverse effects. Overdosing violates established guidelines.
Choice D rationale: Pinching or gently pulling the skin taut at the injection site stabilizes the dermal layer and facilitates correct needle placement. This technique ensures the needle enters at the proper angle and depth, allowing formation of a visible wheal, which confirms intradermal delivery. It also minimizes patient discomfort and prevents misplacement into deeper tissues. Scientific technique for intradermal injections prioritizes anatomical control and tactile feedback to optimize accuracy and diagnostic reliability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Raised toilet seats are not a safety risk for older adults. In fact, they can help prevent falls in the bathroom by reducing the distance an individual has to move to sit down and stand up from the toilet.
Choice B rationale
Throw rugs are a safety risk for older adults. They can easily cause tripping and falling, especially if the edges are not secured.
Choice C rationale
A water heater temperature of 54.4°C (130° F) is a safety risk. Water at this temperature can cause burns, especially in older adults who may have decreased sensitivity to heat.
Choice D rationale
Bathtubs with rails are not a safety risk for older adults. Rails can provide support and stability when getting in and out of the bathtub, reducing the risk of falls.
Choice E rationale
Electric cords behind furniture are a safety risk. They can be a tripping hazard and can also pose a fire risk if they are damaged.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Locking the wheels of the bed and the wheelchair is an important safety measure when assisting a client to move from the bed to a wheelchair. However, this action alone is not sufficient. The nurse also needs to ensure the client’s safety during the transfer by using proper body mechanics and providing adequate support.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the bed to a position of comfort for the nurse is the correct action. This helps to ensure that the nurse can maintain proper body mechanics during the transfer, reducing the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client.
Choice C rationale
Getting the help of several staff members to lift the client is not typically necessary when transferring a client with generalized weakness from the bed to a wheelchair. With proper positioning and technique, one nurse can often safely assist the client with this type of transfer.
Choice D rationale
Placing the wheelchair at a 90° angle to the bed is not the recommended position when transferring a client from the bed to a wheelchair. Instead, the wheelchair should be positioned parallel to the bed or at a slight angle.
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