The nurse is administering an intramuscular injection of an antibiotic to a 3-month-old infant. Which would be the best site for the nurse to give this medication?
Vastus lateralis muscle
Deltoid muscle
Dorsogluteal muscle
Ventrogluteal muscle
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections in infants, as it is well-developed, has minimal nerves and vessels, and accommodates safe volumes. This aligns with pediatric nursing injection guidelines, making it the best choice for a 3-month-old receiving an antibiotic intramuscularly.
Choice B reason: The deltoid muscle is underdeveloped in a 3-month-old, with insufficient muscle mass for safe IM injections. The vastus lateralis is safer and more developed, making this incorrect, as the deltoid risks injury or inadequate drug absorption in infants receiving intramuscular injections.
Choice C reason: The dorsogluteal muscle is avoided in infants due to proximity to the sciatic nerve and underdeveloped gluteal mass, risking nerve damage. The vastus lateralis is safer, making this incorrect for a 3-month-old, as it poses significant safety concerns for IM antibiotic injections.
Choice D reason: The ventrogluteal muscle is safe in older children but less accessible in infants due to small muscle mass and positioning challenges. The vastus lateralis is preferred for its accessibility and safety, making this incorrect for a 3-month-old’s IM antibiotic injection in clinical practice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lung and spleen damage is complex and internal, making it hard for a 4-year-old to comprehend compared to visible injuries like rashes or burns. This requires more explanation, aligning with pediatric developmental understanding, making it the correct diagnosis needing the most help for comprehension.
Choice B reason: A measles rash is visible and relatable, easier for a 4-year-old to understand than internal organ damage. Lung and spleen injuries are more abstract, making this less challenging and incorrect compared to the diagnosis requiring the most explanation for the child’s understanding.
Choice C reason: Broken bones from a fall are tangible and can be explained with casts or pain, more understandable for a 4-year-old. Internal organ damage is less concrete, making this simpler and incorrect compared to the complex diagnosis needing more help for the child’s comprehension.
Choice D reason: Burns from fireworks are visible and painful, allowing a 4-year-old to grasp the injury more easily than internal organ damage. Lung and spleen issues are more abstract, making this more concrete and incorrect compared to the diagnosis requiring the most explanation for understanding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Scoliosis screening is typically prioritized in older children (10-14 years), as curvature often appears during puberty. Vision and hearing screenings are critical for 6-8-year-olds to support learning, making this less urgent and incorrect for the prioritized screening in this elementary school age group.
Choice B reason: Vision and hearing screenings are critical for 6-8-year-olds, as deficits can impair academic performance and development. Early detection ensures timely intervention, aligning with pediatric school health guidelines, making this the prioritized screening for elementary students to support their educational and health needs.
Choice C reason: Assessing nutritional needs is important but less standardized as a routine screening compared to vision and hearing, which directly impact learning. These screenings take precedence, making this less critical and incorrect for the nurse’s priority in routine health checks for 6-8-year-olds.
Choice D reason: Reviewing immunization records ensures compliance but is administrative, not a health screening like vision and hearing, which detect active issues. These screenings are more urgent, making this incorrect compared to prioritizing assessments that directly affect the health of 6-8-year-old students.
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