What action by a newly hired nurse when administering an intramuscular injection requires follow-up?

The action of preparing to administer an intramuscular injection in the dorsogluteal site requires follow-up due to the current recommendations for injection site selection. The dorsogluteal site, which is located in the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks, has fallen out of favor for intramuscular injections because of the potential risk of injuring the sciatic nerve or major blood vessels located in that area.

Health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend using alternative sites such as the ventrogluteal site or the deltoid muscle for intramuscular injections to enhance patient safety. By selecting a safer site, the nurse can reduce the risk of complications and ensure that the injection is administered effectively.

The other actions mentioned are appropriate practices: inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle is correct for intramuscular injections; using isopropyl alcohol to clean the injection site is standard practice to prevent infection; and washing hands before and after the procedure is crucial for maintaining infection control. Thus, the action related to the dorsogluteal site is the one requiring follow-up.