Intramuscular Injections

Review

• Definition of parenteral

• Equipment

• Aseptic technique

• Personal protective equipment

• 3 “checks”

• 6 “rights”

• Proper disposal of sharps

Intramuscular

• Given into the muscle layer beneath the dermis and subcu tissue

• Intermediate absorption rate

• 3 mL syringe

• 19 – 25g needle

• 1 to 3 inch needle length

Land marking for IM

• Deltoid

• Ventrogluteal

• Vastus lateralis or rectus femoris

• Dorsogluteal

Deltoid• Small muscle with little subcu fat

• Absorbed quickly

• Smaller volume of medication (no more than 1 mL)

• Anatomical risk: radial nerve and brachial artery

Vastus Lateralis• Absorption rapid

• Site of choice for infants and children

• 1 inch needle for children

• Lift muscle from bone and administer at right angle to the muscle

Ventrogluteal

• Lateral hip; free of major blood vessels, nerves and fat

• 90 degree angle

• Least painful

Dorsal Gluteal

• Site is close to sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery so accurate landmarking is critical

• Not used on infants and toddlers

Z-Track Method• IM injection where solution will irritate

subcu tissue

• Allows medication into muscle with no tracking to subcu tissue

• 0.2 mL of air used as airlock to prevent leak into subcu tissue