A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection and observes a few small air bubbles in the syringe. Small air bubbles will alter which aspect of medication administration?

Explanation

•Air bubbles can alter the amount of medication the patient receives, therefore, the nurse should attempt to remove all air bubbles.

•A few small air bubbles are not harmful to the patient when injected (Fun fact: In animal studies, the ability of the lungs to filter air bubbles fails when the air enters the circulation at a rate greater than 0.30 ml/kg per minute. With an average worldwide weight of 62 kg, this would be greater than 18 ml of air per minute!).

•Air bubbles will not alter the absorption, duration, or onset of action.

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