Practice Question
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client by the intradermal route. After applying gloves and cleaning the site with an antiseptic swab, in what order should the nurse take the steps below to administer the medication? (Move the steps into the on the in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)
Answer Choices:
Rationale:
1️⃣ Use the nondominant hand to stretch the skin
🟦 The nurse first uses the nondominant hand to gently pull the skin taut at the injection site.
🟦 Stretching the skin creates a smooth, flat surface, which makes needle insertion easier and more precise.
🟦 This is especially important for intradermal injections because the medication needs to be placed just under the epidermis.
🟦 Proper skin tension also reduces discomfort and helps ensure accurate needle depth.
2️⃣ Insert the needle at a 15° angle
🟩 The nurse inserts the needle bevel up at approximately a 15-degree angle to the skin surface (not 150°—that’s a typo in the options).
🟩 This shallow angle allows the needle to enter the dermis, which is exactly where intradermal medications (like TB tests, allergy tests) must be deposited.
🟩 If the angle is too steep, the needle will go subcutaneous; too shallow, and it may not pierce the skin properly.
🟩 Correct angle = correct layer = reliable test or medication effect.
3️⃣ Inject the medication
🟨 After confirming the needle is in the dermis, the nurse slowly injects the medication.
🟨 A small wheal or bleb should form, indicating the fluid has been placed in the correct layer.
🟨 Injecting too fast or too deep can disrupt this and reduce the accuracy of diagnostic injections (like tuberculin).
🟨 The nurse must stabilize the syringe while injecting to avoid movement or discomfort.
4️⃣ Withdraw the needle
🟧 Once the full dose is administered, the nurse withdraws the needle smoothly and at the same angle.
🟧 Prompt removal prevents leakage and minimizes tissue trauma.
🟧 The site is typically left uncovered for intradermal injections (unless otherwise ordered), so the wheal can be observed.
🟧 Withdrawing before activating safety ensures the device is engaged safely and away from the skin.
5️⃣ Activate the needle safety device
🟥 After removal, the nurse immediately activates the needle’s safety device to prevent accidental needlestick injury.
🟥 This is a critical safety step and must be done before disposal.
🟥 Safe handling aligns with standard precautions and protects both the nurse and others handling waste.
🟥 The syringe is then discarded into a designated sharps container.
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This question is from RN Fundamentals 2023 DEC which contains 67 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Fundamentals of Nursing
- Answer Choices: 5