- Watch the video for Chapter 30: Administer a Pediatric Intramuscular Vastus Lateralis Injection
- Summarize the procedure. The summary should include the following:
- How much medication is injected during the procedure?
- What documentation should be checked or referred to before beginning the procedure?
- Why is this important?
- List and explain the patient’s Rights identified in the video.
- Describe how to confirm the identity of the patient.
- What must be done before the procedure can be done in regards to the caregiver?
- What questions should be asked beforehand? How does a fever impact the application of the medication?
- What position should the child be in when giving the procedure?
- What muscle should be accessible?
- Summarize the steps to administer the injection, including where the location is located, how to clean the site and how to hold the child still, and hand positions while performing the injection.
- What angle should the need be in when injecting, and which hand should be used?
- What is done at the end of the procedure, and what should be done with the needle once the administration is done?
- How long should the patient be observed before leaving the office?
- Why is documentation important, and what should be logged in the patient record to complete the procedure?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this video, we will discuss the procedure for administering a pediatric intramuscular vastus lateralis injection. We will cover the amount of medication to be injected, the necessary documentation, the patient’s rights, confirming the patient’s identity, pre-procedure preparations, the impact of a fever on medication application, the ideal position for the child during the procedure, the accessible muscle, the steps to administer the injection, the angle and hand to be used while injecting, the post-procedure actions, the duration of observation, the importance of documentation, and what needs to be recorded in the patient’s record.
Answer:
During the procedure, a medication is injected into the pediatric patient’s vastus lateralis muscle. The amount of medication injected varies depending on the specific prescription and the patient’s weight.
Before beginning the procedure, documentation relating to the patient’s medical history, allergies, and previous medication administration should be checked or referred to. This is important to ensure the appropriate medication is administered and to avoid any potential allergic reactions or adverse drug interactions.
In the video, several patient’s rights are identified, including the right to be informed, the right to consent, and the right to privacy. These rights guarantee that the patient and their caregivers are provided with relevant information about the procedure, have the option to consent or refuse the treatment, and that their privacy is respected throughout the process.
To confirm the identity of the patient, their name and date of birth are commonly checked against an identification bracelet or other forms of identification. This is done to prevent any mix-ups or administration errors.
Before the procedure can be done, it is essential to obtain consent from the caregiver or parent of the pediatric patient. The caregiver should be fully informed about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternative options. They should have the opportunity to ask any questions and provide their consent.
Prior to the procedure, it is important to ask the caregiver if the child has a fever. A fever may impact the application of the medication, and the administration may need to be postponed. Elevated body temperature can increase the risk of adverse reactions or complications.
During the procedure, the child should be placed in a supine or sitting position. This position allows easy access to the vastus lateralis muscle and ensures the child’s comfort and safety during the procedure.
The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the lateral side of the thigh, is the targeted muscle for the injection. It is easily accessible and commonly used for pediatric intramuscular injections.
To administer the injection, the following steps should be followed:
1. Clean the injection site with an antiseptic swab to prevent any potential infections.
2. Hold the child’s leg still, either by using a gentle pressure on the leg or by having a caregiver restrain it.
3. With the non-dominant hand, stabilize the leg by placing the thumb midline over the muscle and the fingers on either side.
4. With the dominant hand, hold the syringe and needle at a 90-degree angle or slightly less.
5. Slowly insert the needle into the vastus lateralis muscle, taking caution not to inject into a blood vessel.
6. Once the medication is administered, withdraw the needle quickly and safely.
7. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
After the procedure, it is recommended to observe the patient for a specific duration before leaving the office. The length of observation may vary depending on the specific medication and any potential side effects or reactions it may cause.
Documentation is crucial in completing the procedure. The patient record should include details such as the patient’s name, date of birth, the medication administered, dosage, site of injection, any adverse reactions or complications observed, and any additional instructions or recommendations given to the caregiver. This documentation ensures accurate and comprehensive medical records, facilitates communication among healthcare providers, and provides a historical reference for future care.
In conclusion, the procedure for administering a pediatric intramuscular vastus lateralis injection involves ensuring the correct medication dosage, checking relevant documentation, respecting the patient’s rights, confirming the patient’s identity, obtaining caregiver consent, considering the impact of a fever, placing the child in the appropriate position, targeting the vastus lateralis muscle, following the steps for injection administration, properly disposing of the needle, observing the patient post-procedure, and documenting the procedure details in the patient’s record.
