IM Injections & Vaccines

Question 1

The choice of injection site depends on…

Answer 1

The medication (volume, form, characteristics)
The age
The muscle mass and the thickness of the adipose tissue
The medical or surgical history
The skin integrity

Question 2

What is the needle gauge used for vaccines?

Answer 2

22 to 25 G

Question 3

When is it appropriate and not appropriate to vaccinate in the deltoid?

Answer 3

Appropriate if the individual is 3 years of age and over
Not appropriate if the individual is less than 12 months of age

Question 4

When is it appropriate and not appropriate to vaccinate in the gluteus medius (ventrogluteal site)?

Answer 4

Not appropriate if the individual is less than 7 months old

Question 5

When is it appropriate and not appropriate to vaccinate in the vastus lateralis (anterolateral site of the thigh)?

Answer 5

Appropriate for all ages
Recommended if the individual is 2 years of age or below

Question 6

ADULTS The maximum volume ranges from…

Answer 6

1 to 5 mL

Question 7

ADULTS The needle length ranges from…

Answer 7

16 to 38 mm

Question 8

ADULTS What are the maximum volumes for injection in the three injection sites?

Answer 8

Deltoids: 1 to 2 mL
Gluteus medius (ventrogluteal site): 2.5 to 3 mL
Vastus lateralis (anterolateral site of the thighs): 5 mL

Question 9

ADULTS What are the needle lengths used for injection in the deltoid?

Answer 9

Women and men < 60 kg: 16 mm
Women 60 to 90 kg: 16 to 25 mm
Women over 90 kg: 25 to 38 mm
Men 60 to 118 kg: 16 to 25 mm
Men over 118 kg: 25 to 38 mm

Question 10

ADULTS What are the needle lengths used for injection in the gluteus medius (ventrogluteal site)?

Answer 10

Slender/Thin adults: 16 to 25 mm
Adults over 70 kg: 25 to 38 mm

Question 11

ADULTS What are the needle lengths used for injection in the vastus lateralis (anterlateral aspects of the thighs)?

Answer 11

25 to 38 mm

Question 12

PEDIATRICS The maximum volume ranges from…

Answer 12

0.5 to 2 mL

Question 13

PEDIATRICS The needle length ranges from…

Answer 13

16 to 38 mm

Question 14

PEDIATRICS What are the maximum volumes for injection in the deltoid?

Answer 14

1 to 5 years of age: 0.5 mL
6 to 12 years of age: 0.5 to 1.0 mL
13 to 18 years of age: 1.0 mL

Question 15

PEDIATRICS What are the maximum volumes for injection in the gluteus medius (ventrogluteal site)?

Answer 15

7 months to 1 year of age: 0.5 mL
1 to 5 years of age: 1 mL
6 to 12 years of age: 1.5 to 2.0 (if muscle is well developped) mL

Question 16

PEDIATRICS What are the maximum volumes for injection in the vastus lateralis (anterolateral site of the thighs)?

Answer 16

Less than 28 days: 0.5 mL
1 month to 2 years of age: 0.5 to 1.0 mL
3 to 5 years of age: 1.0 mL
6 to 12 years of age: 1.0 to 2.0 mL

Question 17

PEDIATRICS What are the needle lengths used for injection in the deltoid?

Answer 17

1 month to 5 years of age: 16 mm
6 to 18 years of age (under 60 kg): 16 to 25 mm

Question 18

PEDIATRICS What are the needle lengths used for injection in the gluteus medius (ventrogluteal site)?

Answer 18

12 months to 5 years of age: 16 mm
6 to 18 years of age (under 60 kg): 16 to 25 mm

Question 19

PEDIATRICS What are the needle lengths used for injection in the vastus lateralis (anterolateral site of the thighs)?

Answer 19

Less than 28 days: 16 mm
1 month to 1 year of age: 22 to 25 mm
1 to 12 years of age: 25 to 32 mm
13 to 18 years of age: 25 to 32 (possibly 38) mm