A nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection to a client. Which of the following sites should the nurse choose?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Forearm: The forearm is not a recommended site for subcutaneous injections because it has limited subcutaneous tissue and is typically reserved for intradermal injections, such as allergy testing or tuberculosis screening. B. Ventrogluteal: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for intramuscular injections due to the large muscle mass and low risk of nerve injury. It is not suitable for subcutaneous injections, which require fatty tissue rather than muscle. C. Outer posterior aspect of upper arm: This site contains adequate subcutaneous tissue, is easily accessible, and is commonly used for subcutaneous injections such as insulin or heparin. It allows for proper absorption and minimizes the risk of intramuscular administration. D. Vastus lateralis: The vastus lateralis is part of the thigh and is primarily used for intramuscular injections, especially in infants or adults needing large-volume IM medications. It is not a typical site for subcutaneous injections.