IM injections - things to know

Question 1

This site is typical for vaccination administration

Answer 1

Deltoid

Question 2

What is the max amount of volume that can be given by IM for the deltoid?

Answer 2

1 mL

Question 3

Why can only 1 mL be administered to the deltoid using IM?

Answer 3

Smaller size of muscle and proximity to radial artery and nerve

Question 4

How does one landmark the deltoid for IM injection?

Answer 4

Pinky on the acromion, 3 fingers down, injection below it

Question 5

What is the safest IM injection site?

Answer 5

Ventrogluteal

Question 6

Why is the ventrogluteal the safest IM injection site?

Answer 6

Distance from nerves and arteries and is a large muscle

Question 7

Ventrogluteal IM injection site is appropriate for which clients?

Answer 7

Anyone over the age of 1

Question 8

Typically the site used for administering IM injections to infants, children and adults.

Answer 8

Vastus lateralis

Question 9

Why is the vastus lateralis a good site?

Answer 9

Good muscularity and no close proximity to major nerves and vessels

Question 10

Injections up to how much can be used at the vastus lateralis site?

Answer 10

3 mL

Question 11

How does one landmark the ventrogluteal?

Answer 11

Heel of hand on greater trochanter, index towards groin on superior iliac spine, middle finger towards the client’s butt.

Question 12

How does one landmark the vastus lateralis

Answer 12

Hands on the greater trochanter and knee joint, facing each other. inject in the middle third.

Question 13

What needle gauge size is used for IM injection?

Answer 13

21-25G

Question 14

What needle length is used for IM injection?

Answer 14

1-1.5”

Question 15

How many seconds do we wait after injection?

Answer 15

10 seconds