Administration Techniques & Routes Flashcards

When administering a vaccine intramuscularly to a 4-month-old infant, which site is preferred?

Answer: Anterolateral thigh

The anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis) is the preferred IM injection site for infants because it has sufficient muscle mass and is easily accessible.

For subcutaneous (SC) vaccine injections, the needle is typically inserted at which angle?

Answer: 45 degrees

SC injections are administered at a 45-degree angle to place vaccine into the subcutaneous tissue layer beneath the skin.

A patient is receiving Td vaccine. After aspirating the syringe, no blood appears. What is the current CDC/ACIP recommendation regarding aspiration?

Answer: Aspiration is no longer recommended for routine IM vaccine administration

ACIP no longer recommends aspiration for IM vaccine injections because the intended injection sites do not contain large blood vessels.

Which vaccine is administered via the intranasal route?

Answer: Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV)

LAIV (FluMist) is the only vaccine routinely administered intranasally, delivered as a spray into each nostril.

When multiple vaccines are administered at the same visit, what is the recommended approach for injection site selection?

Answer: Use separate anatomic sites, preferably different limbs

Each vaccine should be administered at a separate anatomic site, ideally in different limbs, to allow attribution of local reactions to specific vaccines.

The rotavirus vaccine (RV1, RV5) is administered via which route?

Answer: Oral

Rotavirus vaccines are oral vaccines delivered as liquid drops directly into the infant's mouth.

What needle length is generally recommended for IM injection in an adult with average body weight (60–90 kg)?

Answer: 1 inch

A 1-inch needle is recommended for IM injection in average-weight adults (60–90 kg) to reliably reach deltoid muscle.