Question

A client with iron deficiency anemia has been noncompliant with oral medications. The nurse is preparing to administer Imferon. Which technique will the nurse utilize to administer this drug? A. Selecting the deltoid muscle B. Inserting the needle subcutaneously C. Massaging the site after injection D. Adding \(0.25 \mathrm{~mL}\) of air to the syringe

Short answer

Answer: The correct technique for administering Imferon is adding \(0.25 \mathrm{~mL}\) of air to the syringe.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Imferon administration

Imferon is an intramuscular (IM) iron preparation used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is typically administered by Z-track injection to minimize irritation and prevent staining of the skin and tissues.

Evaluate Option A

Option A suggests selecting the deltoid muscle for injection. Although the deltoid muscle is an option for some IM injections, Imferon is typically administered in the ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal site due to its larger muscle mass and reduced possibility of injuring nerves or blood vessels, making this option incorrect.

Evaluate Option B

Option B suggests inserting the needle subcutaneously. Imferon is an IM injection, not a subcutaneous one. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Evaluate Option C

Option C suggests massaging the site after injection. Massaging is not recommended after the administration of Imferon because it can cause irritation and increase the risk of staining the skin and tissues. This option is incorrect.

Evaluate Option D

Option D suggests adding \(0.25 \mathrm{~mL}\) of air to the syringe. The Z-track technique includes pulling the skin to one side before inserting the needle and injecting the medication. After the medication is injected, it is advised to wait for 10 seconds and then remove the needle while releasing the displaced skin. Adding a small amount of air to the syringe ensures that all medication is injected into the muscle, making this option correct. The correct technique for administering Imferon is #tag_highlight#Option D: Adding \(0.25 \mathrm{~mL}\) of air to the syringe#tag_end#.

Key concepts

Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of enough healthy red blood cells due to insufficient iron in the body. Iron is crucial for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Symptoms can include fatigue, pale skin, weakness, and shortness of breath. Treatment often involves increasing iron intake through diet or supplementation.

For those who are noncompliant with or unable to absorb oral iron supplements, intramuscular injections of iron dextran, known as Imferon, may be prescribed. This administration bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, directly supplying the iron necessary for hemoglobin synthesis. Nursing interventions include assessing the patient's iron levels, history of anemia, and any potential allergies to iron injections.

Administering Intramuscular Injections

An intramuscular (IM) injection is a technique used to deliver medication deep into the muscles, allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. The selection of the injection site is critical to minimize discomfort and avoid damage to nerves or blood vessels.

Choosing the Right Site for IM Injections

Common IM injection sites include the deltoid muscle, ventrogluteal site, vastus lateralis, and dorsogluteal muscles. For substances like Imferon, which have a higher viscosity or can potentially stain the skin, nurses usually prefer the ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal sites because they provide a larger and deeper muscle mass.

Z-track Injection Technique

The Z-track injection technique is specifically designed to prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue, which can be particularly important for medications like Imferon, known to cause discoloration and irritation.

Steps in Z-track Injection

• Displace the skin and subcutaneous tissues to one side before inserting the needle.
• Inject the medication into the muscle.
• Wait briefly to allow for absorption.
• Remove the needle and release the skin, creating a zigzag path that seals the medication in the muscle.

Adding a small volume of air to the syringe ((0.25 mL), as indicated in the exercise solution, can ensure that all the medication is administered into the muscle.

Nursing Interventions for IM Injections

Nursing interventions are actions taken by nurses to enhance patient outcomes. With regard to IM injections, nurses must:

• Verify the physician’s order and ensure the correct medication and dose are prepared.
• Assess the patient’s medical history, including any allergies or contraindications to the prescribed medication.
• Educate the patient about the procedure, potential side effects, and the importance of follow-up lab tests to monitor treatment effectiveness.
• Observe strict aseptic technique to prevent infection.
• Assess the injection site after administration for any adverse reactions, avoiding massaging the site to not irritate the tissue or cause staining when using medications like Imferon.

Nurses play a critical role in the safe and effective delivery of IM injections, ensuring proper technique and patient care throughout the process.