Which technique should the nurse use to locate the deltoid muscle when administering the hepatitis B vaccine?

To accurately identify the deltoid muscle when administering the hepatitis B vaccine, the recommended technique involves placing one finger across the acromion process and measuring three fingerbreadths down. This method helps ensure that the injection is administered into the proper site, minimizing the risk of injecting into bone or surrounding structures.

The deltoid muscle, which is the target for the vaccine injection, is located in the upper arm and is crucial for the effective delivery of the vaccine. By positioning one finger across the acromion process—a bony prominence at the top of the shoulder—nurses can use it as a reference point. Measuring three fingerbreadths down leads to the central portion of the deltoid muscle, which provides a safe area for administration while allowing for adequate absorption of the vaccine.

This technique ensures that the intramuscular injection is given in the correct location, thus promoting an effective immune response while also reducing the likelihood of complications such as pain or nerve damage.