The nurse is performing tuberculin testing on a patient. Which ...

[ashley]

The nurse is performing tuberculin testing on a patient. Which action by the nurse is correct?
 
  a. Insert the needle, bevel up, at a 30-degree angle.
  b. Massage the area gently after the injection.
  c. Measure the diameter of the area of erythema when reading the result.
  d. Use a 25-gauge, 3/8 needle.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching an overweight patient to administer subcutaneous heparin. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. I should insert the needle and inject the medication without aspirating for blood.
  b. I should put firm pressure on the injection site to decrease the risk for bleeding.
  c. I will insert the needle at a 10-degree angle when injecting.
  d. The subcutaneous route is used because absorption is faster this way.

[bd5255]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Intradermal injections should be given with a 25- to 27-gauge, 3/8- to 5/8-long needle. The needle should be inserted at a 10- to 15-degree angle. The area should not be massaged. The nurse measures the area of induration, not erythema.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Patients giving subcutaneous medication should be taught not to aspirate after inserting the needle. They should not apply pressure. The needle should be inserted at a 45- to 90-degree angle. Absorption is slower with this route than with the intramuscular and intravenous routes.

[ashley]

TYSM

[upturnedfurball]

Excellent