Which needle gauge should a nurse select when administering a medication subcutaneously?
8.
20.
21.
25.
The Correct Answer is D
The needle gauge size for subcutaneous injections should be between 25 and 31, depending on the patient’s size and the viscosity of the medication.
A smaller gauge number means a larger diameter needle, which can cause more pain and tissue damage.
Choice A is wrong because 8 is too large for subcutaneous injections and can cause bleeding and bruising.
Choice B is wrong because 20 is also too large for subcutaneous injections and can cause similar complications as choice A.
Choice C is wrong because 21 is still too large for subcutaneous injections and can cause discomfort and injury to the patient.
The needle length for subcutaneous injections should be between ½ inch and ⅝ inch, depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present. The nurse should pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45-degree angle to ensure proper delivery of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because spinach and salads contain a lot of vitamin K, which can make warfarin less effective at preventing blood clots.

Vitamin K helps the blood to clot, so eating foods high in vitamin K can counteract the effect of warfarin.
Choice A is wrong because wheat bread and butter do not contain a lot of vitamin K and do not affect warfarin.
Choice B is wrong because mangoes and tomatoes do not contain a lot of vitamin K and do not affect warfarin.
Choice D is wrong because aged cheeses and wine do not contain a lot of vitamin K and do not affect warfarin.
It is important to keep a stable diet while taking warfarin and avoid sudden changes in the amount of vitamin K intake. Foods that are high in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, chickpeas, liver, egg yolks, avocado, and olive oil.
These foods should be limited but not eliminated from the diet. Do not drink cranberry or grapefruit juice while taking warfarin as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This question focuses on non-pharmacological nursing interventions for sleep disturbances in an acute care setting. The nurse must select an evidence-based approach that promotes sleep hygiene and physiological relaxation without requiring medical orders, while minimizing the disruption to the hospital unit's quiet environment.
Choice A rationale: While warm water can be relaxing, providing a shower at 3:00 am is impractical and potentially unsafe for a pre-operative patient. It requires moving the patient, increasing fall risks, and stimulating the body rather than promoting the desired state of sleep.
Choice B rationale: Warm milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, promoting relaxation and sleepiness. It is a traditional, safe, and effective non-pharmacological intervention that helps facilitate sleep in a hospital environment without medical intervention.
Choice C rationale: Insomnia is a common issue in hospital settings and does not warrant immediate notification of the provider unless it is chronic or significantly impacting surgical preparation. The nurse should first attempt independent nursing interventions before escalating to medical consultation for sleep aids.
Choice D rationale: Watching television increases mental stimulation through blue light exposure and engagement with media content. This suppresses melatonin production and alerts the brain, which is counterproductive to the goal of helping a hospitalized patient return to sleep in the early morning hours.
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