Question

The nurse is to administer a medication IM to a patient who weighs 120 lb. What is the most appropriate needle length for the nurse to use?

Answer 1

An appropriate needle length for an IM injection in a 120 lb patient is typically 1 to 1.5 inches, considering factors like injection site, medication volume, and body mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate needle length for an IM injection in a patient who weighs 120 lb can vary, but generally, for most adults, a 1 to 1.5-inch needle is used for intramuscular injections. Factors that influence the choice of needle length include the site of injection, the volume of medication to be administered, the patient's body mass, and the angle of injection. For a 120 lb patient, a 1 to 1.5-inch needle would be commonly selected for sites such as the deltoid or gluteal muscles, ensuring the medication reaches the muscle tissue appropriately.