Question

A nurse is preparing to administer ferrous sulfate IM to a client with anemia. What should the nurse consider when giving this injection?

Select all that apply.
1. Give the injection in the deltoid muscle.
2. Iron is best absorbed if given subcutaneously.
3. Iron is irritating to the tissues.
4. The z-track method should be used.
5. Iron preparations should be administered through a needle gauge 16 or larger.

Answer 1

When administering ferrous sulfate IM for anemia, it is essential to consider that iron is irritating to tissues and to use the z-track method to minimize irritation. Iron preparations should not be administered with a needle gauge 16 or larger, and it should not be given subcutaneously or in the deltoid muscle.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering ferrous sulfate IM to a client with anemia, a nurse should consider several factors. Ferrous sulfate is commonly used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The following statements apply:

• Iron is irritating to the tissues, which is an important consideration when choosing the route of administration.
• The z-track method should be utilized to minimize tissue irritation and staining.
• A smaller needle gauge is generally used for IM injections; needle gauge 16 or larger is too large for such injections.

It is not recommended to give iron injections subcutaneously or in the deltoid muscle due to the potential for staining and irritation. The z-track method is a technique used to prevent leakage of the medication into subcutaneous tissue and minimize tissue irritation. Lastly, the concentration of iron preparations and technique is important to ensure proper administration and absorption.