The clinic nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to the 2-year-old toddler. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?1. Immobilize the child’s leg.2. Explain the procedure to the child.3. Cleanse the area with an alcohol swab. 4. Administer the medication in the thigh.
The correct intervention for the nurse to implement first when preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a 2-year-old toddler is option 3: cleanse the area with an alcohol swab
The correct intervention for the nurse to implement first when preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a 2-year-old toddler is option 3: cleanse the area with an alcohol swab.
The first step in any medical procedure involving injections is to ensure proper hygiene to prevent infection. Cleansing the area with an alcohol swab helps to eliminate bacteria present on the skin surface and reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the injection site. This step is crucial in maintaining patient safety and preventing complications.
Once the area has been cleansed with an alcohol swab, the nurse can proceed with the other interventions. Next, it would be important to immobilize the child’s leg (option 1), typically by applying gentle pressure to the surrounding area to minimize movement during the injection. This helps to ensure accurate needle placement and prevents potential injury.
Explaining the procedure to the child (option 2) is also an important step, as it promotes trust, cooperation, and reduces anxiety. However, this intervention can be done before or after cleansing the area, depending on the child’s level of understanding and cooperation. Some children may become more anxious or resistant once they are aware of what will happen, so it may be better to explain the procedure last in those cases.
Finally, administering the medication in the thigh (option 4) is the last step as it is the recommended site for intramuscular injections in toddlers. The vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is one of the largest muscles in the body at this age and provides a good site for medication absorption. It is important to use proper technique to minimize pain and discomfort associated with the injection.
In summary, the nurse should first cleanse the area with an alcohol swab to ensure proper hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. This should be followed by immobilizing the child’s leg, explaining the procedure, and administering the medication in the thigh.
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