Question

The client is a young, thin woman who is prescribed iron dextran intramuscularly. The nurse, when administering the medication:

a. Uses a 23-gauge needle

b. Employs the Z-track technique

c. Rubs the site vigorously

d. Injects into the deltoid muscle

Answer 1

The nurse should use the Z-track technique when administering iron dextran intramuscularly to minimize tissue irritation and seal the medication in the muscle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse, when administering iron dextran intramuscularly to a young, thin woman should employ the Z-track technique. This method is used to minimize tissue irritation by sealing the medication in the muscle tissue and preventing it from seeping into subcutaneous tissues and the skin. This technique involves pulling the skin and subcutaneous tissue to one side before the injection and then releasing it afterward, which helps to 'lock' the medication in the muscle.

A 23-gauge needle might be used for intramuscular injections; however, the size of the needle can vary depending on the medication and the patient's body size. Rubbing the site vigorously is not recommended as it may cause discomfort and disperse the medication into the subcutaneous tissue, counteracting the effect of the Z-track technique.

Injecting into the deltoid muscle is not typically preferred for viscous injections like iron dextran because of its smaller muscle mass; a site such as the ventrogluteal muscle would be more appropriate. Therefore, the most appropriate action from the nurse would be option b, employs the Z-track technique.