What should the nurse use when placing medication into a patient’s vaginal canal?

Choice A reason: The barrel holds the medication; it’s the main body, not typically #7, and its static role doesn’t involve direct manipulation like other parts.

Choice B reason: The plunger, often numbered high in diagrams, moves to draw or inject; its dynamic function in volume control makes it a likely #7 candidate.

Choice C reason: The needle pierces tissue; usually a lower number, it’s distinct from the syringe’s operational core, less likely to be #7 in standard layouts.

Choice D reason: The tip connects the needle; a minor component, it’s rarely highlighted as #7, overshadowed by the plunger or barrel in functional importance.

Choice A reason: 1 mL gives 50 mg; this underdoses the 75 mg order, reducing Vistaril’s sedative effect, risking inadequate anxiety relief for the patient.

Choice B reason: 1.5 mL is correct; 75 mg divided by 50 mg/mL equals 1.5 mL, delivering the precise IM dose for effective anxiolytic action safely.

Choice C reason: 2 mL provides 100 mg; this overdoses Vistaril, risking excessive sedation or hypotension, exceeding the ordered therapeutic amount unnecessarily.

Choice D reason: 2.5 mL yields 125 mg; this far exceeds 75 mg, amplifying side effects like drowsiness or respiratory depression, unsafe for anxiety management.