Pediatric Nursing Q 177
A 6-year-old child is scheduled to have measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Which of the following routes will you expect the nurse to administer the vaccine?
A. Intramuscularly in the vastus lateralis muscle.
B. Intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle.
C. Subcutaneously in the gluteal area.
D. Subcutaneously in the outer aspect of the upper arm.
Correct Answer: D. Subcutaneously in the outer aspect of the upper arm.
(MMR) the vaccine is administered subcutaneously in the outer aspect of the upper arm. The dosage for both MMR and MMRV is 0.5 mL. Both vaccines are administered by the subcutaneous route.
Option A: The preferred injection site in small children is the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. The posterior triceps aspect of the upper arm is the preferred site for older children and adolescents.
Option B: MMR is not administered intramuscularly. The preferred injection site for adults is the posterior triceps aspect of the upper arm. If a second dose is indicated, the minimum interval between the first and second doses should be separated by at least 4 weeks (28 days).
Option C: Gluteal area is not used as a site. The minimum age for both MMR and MMRV is 12 months of age. The typical age for the second dose of either vaccine is at 4 to 6 years of age. The maximum age for the administration of MMRV is 12 years. It should not be administered to anyone 13 years of age or older.