I NTRADERMAL , S UBCUTANEOUS , AND
I NTRAMUSCULAR R OUTES
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which site is identified by the posterior superior iliac spine and greater
trochanter?
a. Ventrogluteal
b. Dorsogluteal
c. Vastus lateralis
d. Rectus femoris
ANS: B
The dorsogluteal site is identified by drawing an imaginary li ne from the
posterior superior iliac spine to the greater trochanter of the femur. The
injection is then administered at any point between the imaginary straight
line and below the curve of the iliac crest (hipbone).
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 142 | p. 143
OBJ: 4 NAT: NCLEXClient Needs Category: Physiological
Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment
, 2. Which nursing action is accurate when administering an IM injection using the
Z-track method?
a. Use a 1-inch needle.
b. Add 0.5 mL of air to the syringe.
c. Vigorousl y massage the injection site.
d. Pinch up the skin.
ANS: B
Adding 0.5 mL of air ensures that the drug will clear the needle. A 1 -inch
needle may not ensure deep muscle penetration. Massaging the inje ction site
could cause the medication to leak into the muscle tissue. The skin should be
stretched, not pinched up.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 145 OBJ: 3
NAT: NCLEXClient Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation CON: Clinical
Judgment
3. Which gauge needles are used for sub cut injections?
a. 14- to 16-gauge
b. 18- to 21-gauge
c. 22- to 24-gauge
d. 25- to 29-gauge
ANS: D
Commonl y used gauges for sub cut injection are 25 - to 29-gauge needles.
Needles that are 14 to 16 gauge are used for administration of blood or large
volumes of fluid in a short period of time. Needles that are 18 to 21 gauge
are used for routine parenteral fluid administration. Needles that are 22 to 24
gauge are used for administering fluids or medication via small veins.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 140 OBJ: 2