The nurse is administering a tuberculin test (PPD skin test) to a client. What method of injection should the nurse use for this type of testing
Subcutaneous
Intravenous
intradermal
Intramuscular
The Correct Answer is C
A. Subcutaneous: Subcutaneous (SC) injections are given into the fatty layer beneath the skin and are used for drugs like insulin and heparin. The PPD skin test must be injected into the dermis (skin layer) to create a wheal (bleb) that allows for proper reading of the immune response.
B. Intravenous: Intravenous (IV) injections are given directly into a vein and are used for rapid systemic effects. This method is inappropriate and dangerous for a skin test designed to assess a localized skin reaction.
C. Intradermal: Intradermal (ID) injections are administered into the dermis, just beneath the epidermis, using a short, fine needle (e.g., 25-27 gauge) at a very shallow angle (5 to 15 degrees). This shallow placement is necessary to create the small wheal required for the PPD test reading.
D. Intramuscular: Intramuscular (IM) injections are given deep into a muscle for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This is too deep for a skin test and would not produce a reliable result.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Step 1: Interpret the concentration
- After reconstitution, the solution contains 250 mg per 1.5 mL.
- This means: 250 ÷ 1.5 = 166.7 mg per mL.
Step 2: Calculate the volume needed for 400 mg
- Ordered dose = 400 mg.
- Concentration = 166.7 mg per mL.
- Volume = 400 ÷ 166.7 ≈ 2.4 mL.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 23-G, 1 inch:A 1-inchlength is typically used for IM injections, not subcutaneous. While the 23-G is a fine gauge, the length would likely go too deep into the muscle tissue, defeating the purpose of a subcutaneous injection.
B. 18-G, 5/8 inch:An 18-Gneedle is a large bore needle typically used for IV insertions, drawing blood, or injecting highly viscous fluids. It is far too large and causes unnecessary pain for a standard subcutaneous injection.
C. 18-G, 2 inches:This needle is both too wide (18-G) and too long (2 inches) for a subcutaneous injection. A 2-inch needle is reserved for deep IM injections in large muscles.
D. 25-G, 5/8 inch:A 25-G needle is a thin, appropriate gauge for a subcutaneous injection, causing minimal discomfort. A 5/8-inch length is the standard size for delivering medication into the subcutaneous tissue, particularly when using the recommended 45-degree angle (or 90-degree in some cases).
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