An adult client is prescribed the hepatitis B vaccination. The nurse w

An adult client is prescribed the hepatitis B vaccination. The nurse will administer this medication through which site?

1. Dorsogluteal
2. Rectus femoris
3. Vastus lateralis
4. Deltoid

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Using the dorsogluteal site can lead to nerve damage, and is not recommended as a site for intramuscular injections.
Rationale 2: The rectus femoris muscle is used only occasionally for intramuscular injections because it is painful.
Rationale 3: The vastus lateralis muscle is recommended for infants younger than 1 year of age, although it can be used for clients of all ages.
Rationale 4: The deltoid muscle is not used often for intramuscular injections because it is a relatively small muscle and is very close to the radial nerve and radial artery. It is sometimes considered for use in adults because of rapid absorption from the deltoid area, but no more than 1 mL of solution can be administered. This site is recommended for the administration of hepatitis B vaccine in adults.