Question

Why should the nurse avoid massaging the intradermal injection site? A) Because it will increase patient discomfort with tissue irritation B) Because it will disperse the medication into the underlying tissues C) Because it will create an allergic reaction D) Because it will create a bruise

Answer 1

A nurse should avoid massaging an intradermal injection site to prevent dispersal of the medication into underlying tissues, which could reduce the localized effect intended by such an injection. (Option B)

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason a nurse should avoid massaging the intradermal injection site is B) Because it will disperse the medication into the underlying tissues. Massaging the site of an intradermal injection can increase the area of diffusion of the medication, which can reduce its intended localized effect.

Properly administered intradermal injections should deposit the medication into the dermis to produce a local effect, like a skin test for allergies. For instance, allergists use skin testing to identify allergens in type I hypersensitivity where allergens are injected into the epidermis resulting in a wheal and flare response. Massaging the site could disrupt this localized response and spread the medication, diminishing the accuracy of the test.