Question

A nurse is planning to administer an IM medication to a 2-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Draw the medication up using a 3-mL syringe.
B. Use a needle that is 1 1/4 inches long
C. Apply lidocaine cream to the site 10 min prior to the injection
D. Use a 25-gauge needle for the injection

Answer 1

For a 2-month-old infant receiving an IM injection, the nurse should apply lidocaine cream to the injection site 10 minutes prior to minimize pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering an IM medication to a 2-month-old infant, a nurse should take specific actions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Drawing up the medication using a 3-mL syringe may not be appropriate, as infants typically require much smaller volumes, and using a smaller syringe allows for better precision. A needle that is 1 1/4 inches long may be too long for an infant's muscle mass and could cause injury.

Lidocaine cream is an option to reduce pain at the injection site, but its application should be done following the proper protocol and timing before the injection. A 25-gauge needle is small in diameter and is commonly used for infants due to it being finer and causing less pain. Considering these factors, option C is most appropriate: Apply lidocaine cream to the site 10 minutes prior to the injection.