The vastus lateralis injection site is located at:
the anterior thigh
the upper arm
the side of the thigh
the back of the hip
The Correct Answer is C
A. The anterior thigh: The anterior (front) aspect of the thigh is the location of the rectus femoris muscle. While this can be used for injections, it is distinct from the vastus lateralis.
B. The upper arm: The upper arm is the location of the deltoid muscle, a common site for small-volume vaccines.
C. The side of the thigh: The vastus lateralis is located on the lateral (outer/side) aspect of the thigh. It is a preferred site for Intramuscular (IM) injections, especially in infants and children, because it is a large muscle mass generally free of major nerves and blood vessels.
D. The back of the hip: This describes the dorsogluteal site. This site is no longer recommended for injections due to the high risk of striking the sciatic nerve or injecting into superior gluteal artery.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. glass needle:Glass needles are not used in clinical practice for medication administration. The medication is delivered via a metal or plastic hub needle.
B. insulin needle:An insulin needle is thin and short and is used only for subcutaneous insulin injection. It is not designed to filter glass shards and would be too small for most ampule medications.
C. safety needle:A safety needle is a standard needle with a sheath or locking mechanism designed to cover the sharp tip after use to prevent needlestick injuries. While important for safety, it does not prevent glass particles from being drawn into the syringe from an ampule.
D. filter needle:A filter needle contains a small filter membrane (usually 5 microns) that prevents tiny, invisible fragments of glass, created when the neck of the ampule is broken, from being drawn up into the syringe and subsequently injected into the patient. The filter needle must be removed and replaced with a standard administration needle before injecting the patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Vastus lateralis:The Vastus Lateralis muscle (located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh) is the preferred and safest site for IM injections in infants and toddlers (up to 3 years old) because it is large, well-developed, and lacks major nerves and blood vessels close to the injection site.
B. Deltoid:The deltoid muscle in the upper arm is not sufficiently developed in a 4-month-old infant. It is only recommended for use in children aged 18 months or older.
C. Dorsal gluteal:This site (upper-outer quadrant of the buttock) is contraindicated in children under 3 years old due to the risk of injury to the underdeveloped sciatic nerve. It is also generally discouraged in all clients due to the risk of nerve damage.
D. Ventrogluteal:While the ventrogluteal site (side of the hip) is the preferred site for older children and adults, it requires a well-developed muscle mass and reliable anatomical landmarks that are often less identifiable and less safe in an infant. The Vastus Lateralis is preferred for this age group.
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