The nurse is choosing the gauge and length of a needle for a subcutaneous injection of vitamin B12 for a client who has pernicious anemia. Which type of needle would be the best choice?
23-G, 1 inch
18-G, 5/8 inch
18-G,2 inches
25-G, 5/8 inch
The Correct Answer is D
A. 23-G, 1 inch: A 1-inch length 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-G needle 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).

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1140"]
Explanation
First, convert all household/US Customary units to milliliters (mL) using the following standard conversions:
- 1 oz = 30 mL
- 1 cup = 240 mL
- Clear Soda:4 oz × 30 mL/oz = 120 mL
- Toast:0 mL(Solid food is not counted as fluid intake for I&O)
- Water:12 oz × 30 mL/oz = 360 mL
- Fruit-flavored Gelatin:1 cup ×× 240 mL/cup = 240 mL (Gelatin melts at body temperature and is counted as fluid intake)
- Chicken Broth:1/2 cup × 240 mL/cup = 120 mL
- IV Fluid (0.9% Sodium Chloride):300 mL
Total Intake (mL) = (120 mL) + (0 mL) + (360 mL) + (240 mL) + (120 mL) + (300 mL)
Total Intake (mL) = 1,140 mL
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Intravenous:While true in a general sense, it is not specific enough. The abbreviation "IVPB" specifies how the intravenous medication is delivered (secondary infusion), making choice D the precise answer.
B. Intravenous Push:IV Push (IVP) implies injecting a concentrated dose directly into the line over a short time (minutes). Piperacillin/tazobactam is an antibiotic that requires intermittent infusion over a longer period (e.g., 30 minutes) to prevent vein irritation and ensure efficacy.
C. Intramuscular:The order specifies "IV," which contradicts the Intramuscular (IM) route.
D. Intravenous Piggyback:The abbreviation IVPB stands for Intravenous Piggyback. This method involves hanging a smaller secondary bag of medication higher than the primary infusion bag, allowing it to infuse through the main line.
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