Question

The nurse calculates the amount of an antibiotic for injection to be given to an infant. The amount of medication to be administered is \(1.25 \mathrm{~mL}\). The nurse should: A. Divide the amount into two injections and administer in each vastus lateralis muscle B. Give the medication in one injection in the dorsogluteal muscle C. Divide the amount in two injections and give one in the ventrogluteal muscle and one in the vastus lateralis muscle D. Give the medication in one injection in the ventrogluteal muscle

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate method for administering a 1.25 mL antibiotic injection to an infant is option A, dividing the amount into two injections in each vastus lateralis muscle.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the given information

The nurse must administer 1.25 mL of antibiotic medication to an infant, and there are four different administration methods given as choices.

Analyze the given options

First, let's go through the given options and analyze their suitability based on the common injection methods for infants: A. Divide the amount into two injections and administer in each vastus lateralis muscle: The vastus lateralis muscle on the thigh is a preferred location for injecting infants due to the amount of muscle available and the safety of the location. Dividing the injection amount over two injections in this muscle could help minimize discomfort. B. Give the medication in one injection in the dorsogluteal muscle: The dorsogluteal muscle is not a recommended site for injecting infants because of the proximity to the sciatic nerve and blood vessels. It also has less muscle mass than other sites, making it a less safe choice. C. Divide the amount in two injections and give one in the ventrogluteal muscle and one in the vastus lateralis muscle: The ventrogluteal muscle is a safe site for injections. However, this muscle is harder to locate in infants and is less often used. Dividing the injection amount over two injections in two different muscles might increase the complexity of the procedure. D. Give the medication in one injection in the ventrogluteal muscle: Although the ventrogluteal muscle is safe, it is preferable to use the vastus lateralis muscle for infants due to its accessibility and muscle mass.

Choose the correct option

Based on the analysis of the given methods, option A (divide the amount into two injections and administer in each vastus lateralis muscle) is the most appropriate choice for administering the antibiotic injection to an infant. Dividing the dose into two injections minimizes patient discomfort and uses the safest, most accessible muscle for infants.