Injection with paralysis patient?

[caitlinjean]

I have a question with spinal cord injuries. The question states:

When administering intramuscular or subcutaneous injections to the client with a spinal cord injury, the nurse should give the injection:

1) below the level of paralysis

2) in the gluteus muscle

3)above the level of paralysis

4) in the vastus lateralis muscle

I think the answer is above the level of paralysis, what do you think??

[itsmejuli]

This question is poorly worded.

What if he has a cervical spine injury? You can't give an injection above that level of paralysis.

You don't give subq in any muscle.

So the only answer you're left with is number 1.

I don't recall learning anything specific about giving injections to people with spinal cord injuries so can't tell you for sure.

[caitlinjean]

I agree, the question was very poorly worded! I've been stuck on this question all day..

If they are paralized from the waist down, how do you give an injection below the level? i see how both answers could work here.

I've even searched it on the internet and can't seem to find anything. My teacher NEVER once mentioned this lol.