The client is to receive an intramuscular injection of a medication that is supplied in a 2-mL cartridge and a second medication that is supplied in a vial

Question

The total amount to be administered of these medications exceeds the volume of the cartridge by 0.5 mL. How should the nurse proceed?
1. Administer the cartridge medication in one injection and the vial medication in a separate injection.
2. Call the pharmacy for advice on administering these medications.
3. Draw both of the medications up into a syringe for administration.
4. Add as much of the vial medication to the cartridge as possible prior to injection, giving the balance in a separate injection.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Giving two separate injections, no matter how the medication is divided, should be avoided if possible.
Rationale 2: There is no need for the nurse to consult the pharmacy for this standard technique.
Rationale 3: When the total amount of medication to administer exceeds the volume of the cartridge, the medication is drawn up into a syringe and is administered.
Rationale 4: Giving two separate injections, no matter how the medication is divided, should be avoided if possible.