A nurse is administering the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (Hib) to a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Administer the vaccine in the vastus lateralis muscle using a 25-mm (1-in) needle: For infants, the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular (IM) vaccinations, including the Hib vaccine. A 25-mm (1-in) needle is an appropriate length for this muscle in a 6-month-old infant. B. Administer the vaccine subcutaneously in the abdomen using a 16-mm (5/8-in) needle: The Hib vaccine is not administered subcutaneously. It is an intramuscular injection, and the abdomen is not the recommended site for this vaccine. C. Administer the vaccine subcutaneously in the upper arm using a 13-mm (1/2-in) needle: The Hib vaccine is administered intramuscularly, not subcutaneously. The upper arm is used for intramuscular injections in older children. A 13-mm needle is too short for an intramuscular injection in the vastus lateralis. D. Administer the vaccine in the dorsogluteal muscle using a 51-mm (2-in) needle: The dorsogluteal muscle is not recommended for infants due to the risk of damaging the sciatic nerve. A 2-inch needle is too long for this area in an infant.