Which criterion should a nurse use to determine the proper length of the needle to administer a subcutaneous (subcut) medication?
Age of the client.
Viscosity of the solution.
Amount of adipose tissue over the muscle.
Quantity of the solution to be administered.
The Correct Answer is C
The proper length of the needle to administer a subcutaneous injection depends on the amount of adipose tissue over the muscle.
The needle should be long enough to reach the subcutaneous layer but not so long that it penetrates the muscle. The needle gauge and length vary depending on the patient’s size and the injection site
Choice A is wrong because the age of the client does not determine the needle length.
However, age may affect the amount of adipose tissue and muscle mass, which are factors to consider when choosing a needle length.
Choice B is wrong because the viscosity of the solution does not determine the needle length. However, viscosity may affect the needle gauge, which is the diameter of the needle.
Thicker solutions may require larger gauge needles to allow easier flow.
Choice D is wrong because the quantity of the solution does not determine the needle length.
However, quantity may affect the syringe size, which is the volume of medication that can be held by the syringe.
The syringe size should match the prescribed dose as closely as possible to ensure accuracy and ease of measurement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Insert a sterile needle and aspirate 3 to 5 mL of urine into the syringe. This is the best technique for obtaining a sterile urine specimen from an indwelling urinary catheter because it ensures that microorganisms in the specimen are from the urine, and not the result of contamination.
Choice B is wrong because it does not use sterile technique and it does not collect fresh urine. The urine in the drainage bag may have been sitting there for a long time and may not reflect the current condition of the patient’s urinary tract.
Choice C is wrong because it does not use sterile technique and it flushes the catheter with sterile water, which may dilute the urine and alter its composition.
Choice D is wrong because it does not use sterile technique and it collects urine from the drainage bag, which may be contaminated or stale.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hand hygiene techniques are the first line of defense in medical asepsis because they prevent the transmission of microorganisms from one person or object to another. Hand hygiene techniques include washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub.

Choice A is wrong because isolation or barrier procedures are not the first line of defense in medical asepsis, but rather a way of preventing the spread of infection to other patients or health care workers when a patient has a known or suspected infection.
Choice b is wrong because the nature of detergent used on the unit is not the first line of defense in medical asepsis, but rather a factor that affects the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
Choice D is wrong because the ventilation system type is not the first line of defense in medical asepsis, but rather a factor that affects the quality of air and the risk of airborne transmission of microorganisms.
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