A patient has an order for a subcutaneous injection of insulin.
Into which of the following tissues will the nurse prepare to give this injection?
Into the patient’s intravenous line.
Into the patient’s vastus lateralis.
Into the fatty tissue of the patient’s abdomen.
Into the patient’s deltoid.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. This route is not appropriate for insulin because it would result in a rapid and potentially dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. Insulin needs to be absorbed more slowly to mimic the natural release of insulin from the pancreas.
IV administration also requires sterile technique and specialized equipment, making it more complex and time-consuming than subcutaneous injection.
Additionally, there is a higher risk of infection and other complications with IV administration.
Choice B rationale:
The vastus lateralis is a muscle in the thigh that is commonly used for intramuscular (IM) injections. However, IM injections are not typically used for insulin administration because they can be more painful and have a slower absorption rate than subcutaneous injections.
IM injections also carry a higher risk of hitting a blood vessel, which could lead to erratic absorption of insulin.
Choice D rationale:
The deltoid is a muscle in the upper arm that can be used for subcutaneous injections. However, the abdomen is generally the preferred site for insulin injection because it has a greater amount of subcutaneous fat, which helps to slow the absorption of insulin and provide a more consistent effect.
The abdomen is also a more convenient site for self-injection, as it is easily accessible.
Choice C rationale:
The fatty tissue of the abdomen is the ideal site for subcutaneous insulin injection because it provides slow and consistent absorption of insulin.
The abdomen has a rich blood supply, which helps to distribute the insulin throughout the body.
The subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen is relatively thin, which makes it easy to inject insulin without causing pain or discomfort.
The abdomen is also a large area, which allows for multiple injection sites to be used and rotated to prevent lipohypertrophy (thickening of the subcutaneous tissue).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Alopecia (hair loss) and diaphoresis (excessive sweating) can be side effects of certain medications, but they are not typically associated with allergic reactions.
Alopecia is often a delayed side effect of medications, meaning it can take weeks or months to develop after starting a medication. It is usually caused by the medication interfering with the normal hair growth cycle.
Diaphoresis can be a side effect of medications that affect the nervous system, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. It can also be a side effect of medications that cause fever, such as antibiotics.
Choice B rationale:
Heartburn and flatulence are common side effects of many medications, especially those that affect the digestive system.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that is caused by stomach acid refluxing back up into the esophagus. It is often triggered by eating certain foods, lying down after eating, or taking certain medications.
Flatulence is the release of gas from the intestines. It is often caused by eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as beans and cabbage. It can also be a side effect of medications that slow down the digestive system.
Choice C rationale:
Nausea and constipation are also common side effects of many medications.
Nausea is a feeling of sickness or unease in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It is often caused by medications that irritate the stomach lining or that stimulate the vomiting center in the brain.
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. It is often caused by medications that slow down the movement of food through the intestines.
Choice D rationale:
Itchy rash and difficulty breathing are classic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as a threat. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including itchy rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis.
Itchy rash is a common symptom of allergic reactions to medications. It is often caused by the release of histamine, a chemical that is involved in the body's inflammatory response.
Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom of an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It is often caused by swelling of the airways, which can restrict airflow.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Inaccurate statement: While herbal supplements are derived from plant materials, this does not inherently guarantee their safety or non-toxicity. Some plants contain potent compounds that can have adverse effects, even in small doses.
Lack of regulation: Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications. This means that there is no guarantee of their purity, potency, or consistency.
Potential for interactions: Herbal supplements can interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to harmful side effects.
Choice B rationale:
Cost-related issue: The cost of herbal supplements can vary widely. While some may be less expensive than prescription medications, others can be quite costly.
Misleading focus: Emphasizing cost as a primary factor could lead patients to prioritize affordability over safety and effectiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Addresses quality concerns: This response directly addresses the lack of stringent quality standards for herbal supplements, highlighting a significant safety concern.
Encourages informed decision-making: This response encourages patients to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of herbal supplements, prompting them to seek reliable information and discuss their choices with healthcare providers.
Choice D rationale:
Convenience vs. safety: While the convenience of herbal supplements may be appealing, this response does not address the potential safety concerns associated with their use.
Potential for misuse: Highlighting convenience could lead to patients using herbal supplements inappropriately or without necessary guidance from healthcare professionals.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.