Best Practice for Deep Intramuscular Injection in Adult Male

Administering deep intramuscular (IM) injections requires attention to detail and precision to ensure the medication is delivered effectively. When dealing with a 40-year-old man weighing 160 lb and standing at 5 feet 9 inches, the choice of syringe, gauge, and needle length is crucial.

The correct answer, option A, suggests the use of a 5-ml syringe with a 20- to 23-gauge, 1-inch needle. This combination is optimal for delivering medication deep into the muscle of an adult male of this size. The needle gauge ensures efficient delivery while minimizing patient discomfort, and the length of 1 inch provides adequate depth without the risk of hitting bone.

On the other hand, option D, which recommends the use of two 3-ml syringes with a 20 to 23-gauge, 1½-inch needle, may not be the best practice in this scenario. While the client's weight and height are within a normal range, a 3-ml syringe could be excessive for the given medication dosage. Additionally, the length of the needle at 1½ inches may not be necessary and could increase the risk of complications.

Therefore, when determining the size of syringe, gauge, and length of needle for a deep IM injection in an adult male, it is essential to consider the client's characteristics, the medication being administered, and the depth required for effective delivery. Option A provides the most suitable combination for the described individual, ensuring safe and efficient administration of the medication.