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.

Key concepts

Nursing Calculations

Nursing calculations are crucial in ensuring the correct dosage is administered to patients, particularly in pediatrics where doses are significantly smaller and precision is key. When calculating medication doses, nurses often use weight-based formulas to determine the accurate amount. For example, a common formula is: \( \text{Dose} = \left( \frac{\text{Weight (kg)} \times \text{Dose (mg)}}{\text{Drug concentration (mg/mL)}} \right) \). This ensures that the patient receives a safe and effective dose.

When administering medications such as antibiotics, it's vital to consider the total dose, concentration, and the number in mL to be administered. Dividing doses, as in the exercise, can help reduce errors and improve patient comfort and safety.

• Double-check computations with another healthcare professional.
• Use standardized tools and apps for calculation accuracy.
• Always adhere to institutional policies while calculating dosages.

Pediatric Medication Administration

Administering medication to children, especially infants, requires special considerations to ensure their safety and efficacy of the medication. This includes adjusting the dosage based on weight or age and choosing the appropriate method for delivery. Pediatric patients have different physiological characteristics compared to adults, needing different approaches to medication administration.

For liquid medications, dividing them into smaller volumes can help lessen the discomfort and prevent local irritation. It's also essential to involve caregivers by educating them on dosing schedules, side effects, and storage precautions.

• Ensure the medication adheres to pediatric formulations.
• Verify the right patient, medication, and time before administration.
• Understand and apply any specific techniques required for pediatric administration.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology involves understanding drugs and their effects on the human body. Nurses must grasp how medications work, how they are metabolized, and their side effects to optimize patient care. In pediatric care, special attention is given to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, as children’s bodies process medications differently.

Antibiotics, like the one in the exercise, need to be monitored carefully given their potential for side effects and resistance. Knowledge of drug interactions, contraindications, and age-appropriate formulations is essential to prevent adverse effects and ensure therapeutic effectiveness.

• Keep updated with the latest pharmacological guidelines.
• Understand each drug's purpose, action, and potential risks.
• Monitor patients closely after administration for any adverse reactions.

Injection Techniques for Infants

Administering injections to infants requires precision and care to minimize pain and ensure effectiveness. The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the outer thigh, is often preferred due to its accessibility and size in infants. Dividing doses into smaller injections can help reduce pain and tissue irritation.

The dorsogluteal site is avoided in infants owing to the risk of injuring the sciatic nerve and less muscle mass, which makes it unsafe. Meanwhile, the ventrogluteal muscle, although a safe option, might be challenging to locate in infants.

• Ensure the infant is comfortably positioned and secured when administering injections.
• Utilize a small gauge needle to lessen pain.
• Always cleanse the injection site with an antiseptic solution before proceeding.