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The nurse is administering a SC injection to an elderly client. In clients with little subcutaneous tissue, what is the best needle length to use?

A.

1 inch needle

B.

1.5 inch needle

C.

1/2 inch

D.

5/8 inch

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. 1 inch needle: A 1-inch needle may be too long for clients with minimal subcutaneous tissue, risking inadvertent intramuscular injection, which can alter drug absorption and increase discomfort.

B. 1.5 inch needle: This length is typically used for intramuscular injections in adults and is not appropriate for subcutaneous administration in thin or elderly clients due to the risk of injecting into muscle.

C. 1/2 inch: While shorter than 1 inch, a 1/2 inch needle may still be too long for some elderly clients with very thin subcutaneous layers. Proper technique must ensure the medication remains in the subcutaneous tissue.

D. 5/8 inch: A 5/8-inch needle is generally recommended for subcutaneous injections in clients with minimal subcutaneous tissue. This length allows for accurate delivery into the fatty layer while minimizing the risk of intramuscular injection and reducing discomfort.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["0.6"]

Explanation

Calculation:

  • Identify the ordered dose and available concentration

Ordered Dose: 3 mg

Available Concentration: 5 mg/mL

  • Calculate the volume to administer

Volume = Ordered Dose ÷ Concentration

Volume = 3 ÷ 5

= 0.6

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Enteric-coated: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to resist stomach acid and dissolve in the intestines. Crushing them destroys the coating, which can result in gastric irritation, reduced efficacy, or toxicity. Therefore, these should never be crushed for enteral administration.

B. Tablet: Regular tablets without special coatings can usually be crushed and administered via an enteral tube. Crushing allows the medication to be dissolved or suspended for safe passage through the tube while maintaining therapeutic effect, provided the drug’s properties are compatible with enteral administration.

C. Buccal: Buccal medications are intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth for systemic absorption through the oral mucosa. Crushing buccal tablets for enteral administration alters absorption, onset, and effectiveness, making this inappropriate.

D. Sustained-release: Sustained-release (extended-release) formulations are designed to release the drug gradually over time. Crushing them results in rapid release of the full dose, increasing the risk of toxicity and reducing the intended therapeutic effect.

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