Author Question: When compared with the subcutaneous route, what are the advantages of giving drugs intramus-cularly ... (Read 154 times)

crobinson2013 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

When compared with the subcutaneous route, what are the advantages of giving drugs intramus-cularly (IM)? (Select all that apply.)

a. IM injections require a smaller, shorter needle.
b. IM drugs are absorbed faster than subcutaneous drugs.
c. IM injections can be much larger that subcutaneous injections.
d. IM injections do not require the rotation of injection sites.
e. IM injections are less painful than subcutaneous injections.

Question 2

A patient is to receive an acetaminophen (Tylenol) suppository for an elevated temperature of 102.8 F. What actions must the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

a. Ask if the patient is having any diarrhea.
b. Lubricate the blunt end of the suppository.
c. Put on a pair of sterile gloves.
d. Place the patient in the Sims' position.
e. Ask the patient to take a deep breath and bear down.
f. Push the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.

yeungji · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B, C
Because of the rich blood supply in the muscles, IM drugs are absorbed much faster than subcu-taneous drugs. IM injections can also be much larger than subcutaneous injections. They require needles that are longer (1-1.5 inches) and larger (22-20 gauge), and tend to be more painful. Both subcutaneous and intramuscular injections require rotation of injection sites to prevent tissue damage.

Answer to Question 2

A, D, E, F
Diarrhea may make the rectal route of drug administration undesirable because the patient may be unable to hold the drug in the rectum long enough to be absorbed. Disposable gloves should be used, but they do not need to be sterile. The suppository is inserted pointed end first, not blunt end. The Sims' position (with the patient turned to the side and one leg bent over the other) is the best position for giving a rectal suppository. The suppository should be pushed into the rectum about 1 inch for better absorption. Be sure to instruct the patient about how long the suppository should be held in the rectum.