Syringe Selection for Medication Administration

When it comes to medication administration, accuracy and precision are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. The selection of the right syringe plays a significant role in achieving this goal, especially when dealing with small volumes of medication like 1.7 mL for an intramuscular (IM) injection.

The question posed to the nurse in this scenario presents a common challenge in clinical practice: choosing the most suitable syringe for a specific medication dose. In this case, the nurse is tasked with drawing 1.7 mL of medication, which falls between the capacities of typical syringe sizes.

The Correct Choice: 3 mL Syringe

The correct answer to the question is a 3 mL syringe. This selection strikes a balance between the smaller 1 mL syringe, which lacks the necessary capacity, and the larger 5 mL or 10 mL syringes, which would be excessive for such a small volume.

By opting for the 3 mL syringe, the nurse ensures that the medication can be accurately measured and administered without the risk of over- or under-dosing the patient. This practice aligns with medication safety protocols and minimizes the margin of error in dosage calculation.

Understanding the appropriate syringe selection is not just about picking the right tool for the job—it reflects a commitment to patient safety and quality care. In the context of medication administration, every milliliter matters, and using the correct syringe size can make a difference in the efficacy and safety of treatments.

Furthermore, proper syringe selection contributes to the overall efficiency of the healthcare process. By choosing the most suitable syringe for the required dose, nurses and healthcare providers can streamline the medication administration process and reduce the likelihood of errors or delays in treatment.

In conclusion, the 3 mL syringe is the optimal choice for drawing 1.7 mL of medication for an IM injection. By prioritizing accuracy, precision, and patient safety, nurses can uphold the highest standards of care in medication administration.