IM injections Flashcards
Usually use what size syringe for IM injection
3mL
Most stable option
Guage of needle for IM
22 (23 CAN work)
What medication to check if your patient is taking relevant to IMs
Anticoagulants (or if they have low platlet count)
Could result in severe bleeding
Max amount of solution to be injected via IM
3mL for adults
Size of needlehnique for adminstering
Hold patient tightly so they don’t feel needle
4 main IM sites
Deltoid (for small amounts of fluid i.e. vaccine)
Dorsogluteal NOT preferred bc of sciatic nerve
Vastus Lateralis (Outer thigh)
Ventrogluteal
Preferred IM site
Ventrogluteal (least painful and safe)
How large is deltoid injection site
Size of toonie (above axilla)
How to find vastus lateralis
One wide handbreadth below hip and one wide handbreadth above knee
Side of thigh (horizontal)
Landmarking ventrogluteal
Pointer finger on anterior iliac spine, thumb toward pubios symphosis and spread middle finger back
Bw middle and pointer is injection site
How to know what size needle for each patient?
injection tequnique for deltoid
Squeeze skin to distract from injection
Z track technique for IM Inj in ventrogluteal or vastuslateralis
Spread skin taut allowing it to slide back into place and cover IM puncture
Clinical guidlines for IM injections
swab site with alcohol before
Z track encouraged for all IM injections
Give slowly, not exceed 1 mL/10 seconds
Withdraw needle rapidly and apply pressure
Why dont we massage
COuld force drug into subcutaneous tissue and irritate
