IM inj

Question 1

how far do you want to inject with an IM inj

Answer 1

all the way to the hub of the needle

Question 2

why is IM faster absorption than subQ tissue

Answer 2

because the muscle is more vascular than subQ

Question 3

what angle should an IM injection be at

Answer 3

90 degree angle

there are variations with pediatrics

Question 4

what is an advantage of IM injections

Answer 4

• you can give up to 3-4mLs of med as opposed to subQ

- can give a larger range of meds as opposed to subs

Question 5

what are disadvantages to IM injections

Answer 5

• causes pain

- variations in absorption depending on how much the muscle is used, overweight pt

Question 6

size syringe and needle for IM injections

Answer 6

1,3,5mL syringe
21-25guage
1-3 inch
(longest thinnest needle)

Question 7

what is the average needle length used for IM inj

Answer 7

1-1.5 inches

Question 8

what are the 3 sites for IM inj

Answer 8

• deltoid
• ventrogluteal
• vastus lateralis

Question 9

what do you do if you aspirate and you get blood back

Answer 9

take out injection and throw it in sharps and

start over

Question 10

what types of meds are given IM inj

Answer 10

vaccines
rhogam
vitamin k
abx
opioids
anti emetics

Question 11

what is the max volume for the deltoid

Answer 11

0.5-1mL

Question 12

what is the recommended needle length for adult and pediatrics IM inj

Answer 12

adult-5/8-1inch

meds- based on size-avi 5/8-1in

Question 13

ideal position for deltoid IM injections

Answer 13

arm hanging down

resting on lap with palm up

Question 14

what max volume can the ventrogluteal site take

Answer 14

3-4mL

pediatrics- up to 2mLs (good size pediatric pt)

Question 15

what size needle is used for the ventrogluteal site IM inj

Answer 15

5/8 for pediatric pt

and 1 inch for adult

Question 16

what is the least painful site for IM injections

Answer 16

the ventrogluteal site

Question 17

when would you use the vastus lateralis site for IM injection

Answer 17

for infants and children under 2 yrs old.

Question 18

how many mLs can you give in the vastus lateralis site

Answer 18

adult up to 3-4 mLs

pediatrics 2mL

Question 19

what is the needle length for vastus lateralis

Answer 19

1 1/2 inch for adults
1 inch for smaller adults
1-1 1/4 inch for pediatrics

Question 20

what should NEVER be given IM

Answer 20

anticoagulants

if a pt is on anticoagulants you do not want to give them an IM injection at all

Question 21

what is Z-track

Answer 21

a technique to use when the IM injection will cause irritating reaction or staining of the skin

Question 22

where would you use the Z track technique

Answer 22

in the ventrogluteal or thigh injection

NOT in the deltoid

Question 23

what is the purpose of Z-track technique

Answer 23

it prevents leaking of meds into the subQ tissue reducing pain and potential tissue damage.
also prevents staining of skin

Question 24

when would you use the z-track technique

Answer 24

when the drug may cause local irritation

or when the drug is supposed to be administered deep into well developed muscle.

Question 25

how do you perform the z-track technique

Answer 25

• pull the skin and subs tissue to the side or down about 1 inch
• maintain traction and insert the needle at a 90 degree angle
• aspirate
• inject med slow and evenly
• remove needle quickly
• engage safety device
• release traction allowing the skin to slide over the injection site.

Question 26

what are complications of IM injections

Answer 26

• pain
• nerve injury
• abscess
• hematoma
• scar tissue