The nurse prepares to administer a 3-mL intramuscular (IM) injection of an antibiotic to an 85-year-old patient. What action does the nurse take to administer the medication correctly?

Question

a. Prepares the patient for a subcutaneous injection
b. Divides the injection into two separate syringes
c. Positions the patient for injection in the dorsogluteal area
d. Avoids aspirating when injecting in the deltoid muscle

Answer 1

B
Older adults may have decreased muscle mass and can tolerate up to 2 mL of an injection; thus the nurse divides the dosage into two separate IM injections to promote patient comfort and pre-vent tissue damage. A 3-mL injection contraindicates use of the subcutaneous route; subcutane-ous injections range from 0.5 to1 mL in volume. The nurse avoids the dorsogluteal area because of the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and aspirates during IM injections, regardless of the loca-tion.