PN Pharmacology 2023 Related

Review PN Pharmacology 2023 related questions and content

A nurse is preparing to administer an influenza immunization IM to an infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

  • A. Use a ½-Inch needle.
  • B. Use a 22-gauge needle.
  • C. Use the flushing technique.
  • D. Use the deltoid muscle for the injection site.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use a ½-Inch needle. For infants, a ½-inch needle is recommended for intramuscular (IM) injections to ensure proper administration of the vaccine into the muscle. Using a shorter needle decreases the risk of reaching the bone or causing tissue damage.

B: Using a 22-gauge needle is not specific to infants and may not be the most appropriate size for their smaller muscles.
C: The flushing technique is not relevant to the administration of the vaccine.
D: The deltoid muscle is not typically used as the injection site for infants; the vastus lateralis muscle is more commonly used due to its larger muscle mass and ease of access.

In summary, using a ½-inch needle is the correct choice for an infant receiving an IM influenza immunization to ensure safe and effective administration.