During administration of an intradermal injection, the nurse notices that the outline of the needle bevel is visible under the client's skin. How should the nurse proceed?

Question

1. Recognize that this is an expected finding in a properly administered intradermal injection.
2. Withdraw the needle, prepare a new injection, and start again.
3. Insert the needle further into the skin at a deeper angle.
4. Turn the needle so that the bevel is down and inject the medication slowly, looking for development of a bleb.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Intradermal injections are given at a very shallow angle so that the medication is delivered into the area between the dermal layers. When properly given, the outline of the needle bevel will be visible prior to injection of the fluid.
Rationale 2: There is no need to withdraw the needle and start again.
Rationale 3: Inserting the needle further into the skin and at a deeper angle would result in delivery of the fluid into the subcutaneous tissues.
Rationale 4: The needle is inserted with the bevel up.