IM inj Flashcards
how far do you want to inject with an IM inj
all the way to the hub of the needle
why is IM faster absorption than subQ tissue
because the muscle is more vascular than subQ
what angle should an IM injection be at
90 degree angle
there are variations with pediatrics
what is an advantage of IM injections
- you can give up to 3-4mLs of med as opposed to subQ
- can give a larger range of meds as opposed to subs
what are disadvantages to IM injections
- causes pain
- variations in absorption depending on how much the muscle is used, overweight pt
size syringe and needle for IM injections
1,3,5mL syringe
21-25guage
1-3 inch
(longest thinnest needle)
what is the average needle length used for IM inj
1-1.5 inches
what are the 3 sites for IM inj
- deltoid
- ventrogluteal
- vastus lateralis
what do you do if you aspirate and you get blood back
take out injection and throw it in sharps and
start over
what types of meds are given IM inj
vaccines rhogam vitamin k abx opioids anti emetics
what is the max volume for the deltoid
0.5-1mL
what is the recommended needle length for adult and pediatrics IM inj
adult-5/8-1inch
meds- based on size-avi 5/8-1in
ideal position for deltoid IM injections
arm hanging down
resting on lap with palm up
what max volume can the ventrogluteal site take
3-4mL
pediatrics- up to 2mLs (good size pediatric pt)
what size needle is used for the ventrogluteal site IM inj
5/8 for pediatric pt
and 1 inch for adult
what is the least painful site for IM injections
the ventrogluteal site
when would you use the vastus lateralis site for IM injection
for infants and children under 2 yrs old.
how many mLs can you give in the vastus lateralis site
adult up to 3-4 mLs
pediatrics 2mL
what is the needle length for vastus lateralis
1 1/2 inch for adults
1 inch for smaller adults
1-1 1/4 inch for pediatrics
what should NEVER be given IM
anticoagulants
if a pt is on anticoagulants you do not want to give them an IM injection at all
what is Z-track
a technique to use when the IM injection will cause irritating reaction or staining of the skin
where would you use the Z track technique
in the ventrogluteal or thigh injection
NOT in the deltoid
what is the purpose of Z-track technique
it prevents leaking of meds into the subQ tissue reducing pain and potential tissue damage.
also prevents staining of skin
when would you use the z-track technique
when the drug may cause local irritation
or when the drug is supposed to be administered deep into well developed muscle.
how do you perform the z-track technique
- 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.
what are complications of IM injections
- pain
- nerve injury
- abscess
- hematoma
- scar tissue
