Administration Techniques & Routes Flashcards
7 cards from real APHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Administration Techniques & Routes flashcards as text
A 2-year-old child needs MMR vaccine. Which route and site should be used?
Answer: SC injection in the anterolateral thigh or upper arm
MMR is a subcutaneous vaccine and can be administered in the anterolateral thigh or the outer aspect of the upper arm in young children.
What gauge needle is typically recommended for subcutaneous vaccine injections?
Answer: 23–25 gauge
A 23–25 gauge needle is standard for subcutaneous injections, balancing comfort with adequate vaccine delivery.
Which technique is used to 'tent' the tissue during subcutaneous vaccine injection?
Answer: Pinching up a fold of skin and subcutaneous tissue
For SC injections, a fold of skin and subcutaneous tissue is pinched up to lift the tissue away from underlying muscle before inserting the needle.
Varicella vaccine must be stored frozen. If it was accidentally left at refrigerator temperature (2–8°C) for 48 hours before use, what should the nurse do?
Answer: Discard it, as varicella vaccine that has been refrigerated must not be used
Varicella vaccine that has been stored at refrigerator temperature must be discarded and not administered, as potency is compromised.
When injecting vaccines into the anterolateral thigh of a toddler, which muscle is being targeted?
Answer: Vastus lateralis
The vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh muscle) is the preferred IM injection site for infants and toddlers due to its large muscle mass.
After administering a vaccine, should the injection site be massaged?
Answer: It depends on the vaccine — some benefit from massage while others (e.g., aluminum-adjuvanted) should not be massaged
Massaging is generally not recommended for aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines as it may increase local reactions; routine massage is not required for most vaccines.
A vaccine is mistakenly administered subcutaneously instead of intramuscularly. What is the most likely consequence?
Answer: The patient may experience increased local reactions but immune response is generally adequate
SC administration of IM-intended vaccines may increase local reactions (nodule formation) but typically does not invalidate the dose; clinical judgment and current guidance should be consulted.