A nurse is precepting a nursing student in the pediatrics unit. The student nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a 14-month-old infant. Which statement by the student nurse indicates a need for further teaching by the licensed nurse?
“I will use a needle that is 7/8 inch to 1 inch long.”
“I will give this injection at a 90-degree angle of insertion.”
“I will give this injection in the vastus lateralis with a 27-gauge needle.”
“I can give this injection with a 25-gauge needle in the dorsogluteal area.”
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: Injections on infants less than 18 months old should be done in the vastus lateralis, not the dorsogluteal area. The dorsogluteal area is not recommended for children less than 3 years of age. The correct needle length for this client is 7/8 inch to 1 inch in length. The injection should be given at a 90-degree angle. A 27-gauge needle is appropriate for injecting in the vastus lateralis.
