IM

Question 1

First thing you do?

Answer 1

Wash hands

Question 2

3 I’s

Answer 2

Introduce, identify and informed consent

Question 3

3 contraindications of IM

Answer 3

1) Recent IM injection in that area
2) Bleeding disorder
3) Anticoagulant medication

Question 4

As well as contraindications, what should you check?

Answer 4

Allergies

Question 5

What equipment do you need for IM?

Answer 5

Patients prescription/drug chart
Gloves and Apron
Sharps bin and kidney dish
Wipes and swab
2 needles and 1 syringe
The drug (and dilutent if required)

Question 6

What are the 7 rights of administering a drug?

Answer 6

Right person
Right drug (check against prescription and expiration)
Right dose
Right time
Right route
Right to refuse
Right documentation of the prescription and allergies

Question 7

Prepping the injection

6 steps

Answer 7

1) Wash hands, don gloves and apron
2) Insert needle into drug solution
3) Draw up correct amount of drug
4) Remove needle
5) Purge bubbles
6) Attach new needle (leaving it sheathed)

Question 8

3 most common sites for IM

Answer 8

1) Deltoid (upper arm)
2) Ventrogluteal (upper outer quadrant of buttock)
3) Vastus lateralis (Anterior lateral thigh)

Question 9

Administering the injection

5 things

Answer 9

1) Clean the area (30 seconds, 30 second dry)
2) Stretch the skin
3) “sharp scratch”
4) Aspirate (blood means you have to restart)
5) Depress plunger slowly

Question 10

Plunger is down, what now?

4 things

Answer 10

1) Remove needle
2) Release traction on skin
3) Dispose in sharps bin
4) Place gauze over the site of injection

Question 11

To complete the procedure you would?

4 things

Answer 11

Thank the patient
Discuss post injection care (may be sore, watch for rash)
Wash hands
Document in the notes

Question 12

Risks of IM

Answer 12

Pain for a day or two
Haematoma
persistent nodules
local irritation
Anapylaxis (very rare)