Question

The nurse has an order to administer Digoxin 0.25 mg IM if a

patient that weighs 265 lbs. What lengths of needle will the nurse
choose

Answer 1

The nurse will need to choose an appropriate length of needle to administer Digoxin 0.25 mg IM to a patient who weighs 265 lbs. Generally, a needle length of 1 to 1.5 inches is appropriate for IM injections in adults, but the nurse should consider the patient's body habitus and muscle mass to determine if a longer needle is necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse will need to choose an appropriate length of needle to administer Digoxin 0.25 mg IM to a patient who weighs 265 lbs. The length of needle chosen will depend on the patient's body habitus and the selected injection site. Generally, for IM injections in an adult patient, a needle length of 1 to 1.5 inches is appropriate.

However, it is important for the nurse to assess the patient's muscle mass and body habitus to determine if a longer needle length is necessary. For patients with more adipose tissue, a longer needle may be required to ensure the medication reaches the muscle layer.

Therefore, it is recommended that the nurse consults with a healthcare provider or follows the facility's guidelines to determine the appropriate needle length for administering Digoxin 0.25 mg IM to a patient who weighs 265 lbs.

Answer 2

The nurse will choose a needle length appropriate for intramuscular injection, typically 1 to 1.5 inches.

Step-by-step explanation:

Administering Digoxin 0.25 mg intramuscularly (IM) requires careful consideration of the needle length to ensure proper delivery of the medication. In general, for IM injections, a needle length of 1 to 1.5 inches is suitable for adults. The nurse needs to choose a length that allows the medication to reach the muscle tissue while accommodating the patient's weight.

The choice of needle length is influenced by factors such as the patient's body mass and the depth of the muscle. In this case, the patient's weight of 265 lbs suggests a larger body mass, and a slightly longer needle may be appropriate to ensure proper penetration into the muscle. However, the specific length within the recommended range (1 to 1.5 inches) will depend on factors like the patient's muscle development and the injection site.

It's crucial for the nurse to consider these factors and choose a needle length that balances the need for effective medication administration with patient comfort and safety.