HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Why is iron given by deep injection?

1. Enhance absorption of the medication

2. Ensure that the entire dose of medication is given

3. Provide more even distribution of the drug

4. Prevent the drug from tissue irritation

The correct answer is: Prevent the drug from tissue irritation

Iron is administered by deep injection primarily to prevent tissue irritation. When iron is injected intramuscularly, especially in high doses, it can cause local irritation and pain if administered in a more superficial manner. Deep injection allows the medication to be deposited deeper into the muscle tissue, which can help to minimize contact with peripheral tissues that could become irritated. This method not only helps in reducing the discomfort associated with the injection but also allows for a more gradual release of the medication into the bloodstream, which can lead to better absorption and lower risk of side effects associated with local irritation. Thus, the key reason for using deep injection for iron is to mitigate the risk of irritation to the tissues at the injection site.