How to Give Intramuscular Injections Christy Hendricks Site

How to Give Intramuscular Injections Christy Hendricks

Site Selection Intramuscular (IM) Infants < 18 Months Pediatric - Vastus Lateralis Muscle Children (> 18 months - Deltoid Muscle and walking to 18 years) - Ventrogluteal Site - Dorsogluteal site – not recommended from <3 years - Vastus lateralis muscle > 18 years Adult Location of Injection - Deltoid muscle, ventrogluteal site - Dorsodluteal site – avoid in obese adults - Vastus lateralis muscle (BD, 2012)

Deltoid • Feel for the acromion process • Place two fingers to form a triangle • Give injection in center of the triangle • Inject the needle through the skin at a 90 degree angle

Vastus Lateralis • Grasp the tissue and “bunch up” the muscle • If giving multiple injections insure a minimum of 1” from injection site to injection site • Inject needle at a 90 degree angle

Ventrogluteal • Place base of your palm on top of the patients greater trochanter • Place you index finger on the ASIS • Place your middle finger on the top of the iliac crest • Inject solution in-between the two fingers at level of the knuckles

Needle Length and Gage Intramuscular (IM) Infants < 18 Months Pediatric Adults Needle Length Needle Gauge Needle Angle 5/8” – 1” 25 – 27 G 90* Children (> 18 Months and 7/8” – 1” walking to 18 years) 22 – 25 G 90* 19 – 25 G 90* > 18 Years 1” – 1 ½” (Up to 3” for large adults)

Giving the Injection • Wash you hands and don gloves • Cleans the skin with an alcohol prep pad in a circular pattern starting the in the middle and working your way out • Inject the needle in a dart-like motion at a 90 degree angle • Inject solution • Pull needle out activate safety cap and dispose in sharps container • Apply bandage

Safety and Clean Up Safety Caps Sharps Containers

Conclusion • Make sure to select the proper injection site, needle length and gauge • Remember to inject using a “dart-like” motion and insure that you are at a 90 degree angle • Engage safety caps • Properly dispose of used needle in sharps container