HESI Pharmacology
HESI Pharmacology ( 46 Questions)
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Question 14 :
The home health nurse observes a client self-administering an epinephrine injection using an auto-injector pen.
Which client action requires intervention by the nurse?
- Appropriate injection site: The fleshy outer thigh is a common and recommended injection site for epinephrine auto-injectors. It provides a large muscle mass with adequate blood flow for rapid absorption of the medication.
- Ineffective delivery of medication: Inserting the injection pen through clothing can impede the needle from reaching the muscle and delivering the medication effectively. Clothing can act as a barrier, absorbing or deflecting the medication, potentially leading to a suboptimal dose or delayed absorption.
- Risk of infection: Clothing may harbor bacteria or other contaminants that could be introduced into the injection site, increasing the risk of infection. This is particularly concerning in a home setting where clothing may not be as sterile as in a healthcare facility.
- Difficulty assessing injection site: If the injection is given through clothing, it can be challenging to accurately assess the injection site for any signs of redness, swelling, or other potential complications. This could delay identification and treatment of any adverse reactions.
- Ensures full dose delivery: Holding the pen in place for several seconds after injection is essential to ensure that the full dose of medication is delivered. This allows time for the medication to be fully expelled from the pen and absorbed into the muscle tissue.
- Not a reusable device: Epinephrine auto-injector pens are designed for single use only and should not be cleaned for re-use. Cleaning a used pen can compromise its sterility and functionality, potentially leading to infection or medication errors.
Correct Answer: B
The correct answer is Choice B: Inserts the injection pen through clothing.
Choice B rationale:
- Ineffective delivery of medication: Inserting the injection pen through clothing can impede the needle from reaching the muscle and delivering the medication effectively. Clothing can act as a barrier, absorbing or deflecting the medication, potentially leading to a suboptimal dose or delayed absorption.
- Risk of infection: Clothing may harbor bacteria or other contaminants that could be introduced into the injection site, increasing the risk of infection. This is particularly concerning in a home setting where clothing may not be as sterile as in a healthcare facility.
- Difficulty assessing injection site: If the injection is given through clothing, it can be challenging to accurately assess the injection site for any signs of redness, swelling, or other potential complications. This could delay identification and treatment of any adverse reactions.
Choice A rationale:
- Appropriate injection site: The fleshy outer thigh is a common and recommended injection site for epinephrine auto-injectors. It provides a large muscle mass with adequate blood flow for rapid absorption of the medication.
Choice C rationale:
- Ensures full dose delivery: Holding the pen in place for several seconds after injection is essential to ensure that the full dose of medication is delivered. This allows time for the medication to be fully expelled from the pen and absorbed into the muscle tissue.
Choice D rationale:
- Not a reusable device: Epinephrine auto-injector pens are designed for single use only and should not be cleaned for re-use. Cleaning a used pen can compromise its sterility and functionality, potentially leading to infection or medication errors.