Intramuscular Injections (M5E)

Question 1

intramuscular injection route

Answer 1

• deposits meds into deep muscle tissue (rich blood supply)
• allows med to absorb faster than subQ route
• inc risk of injecting drugs into blood vessels using IM route

Question 2

needle size selection

Answer 2

• viscosity of med
• injection site
• pt’s weight
• amount of adipose tissue
• use longer and heavier-gauge needle

Question 3

angle of insertion

Answer 3

90 degrees

Question 4

Z-track method

Answer 4

• technique for pulling skin during an injection recommended for IM injections
• prevents leakage of med into subcu tissues, seals med in muscle and minimizes irritation
• keep needle inserted for 10 secs to allow med to disperse evenly

Question 5

IM injection sites

Answer 5

• ventrogluteal site (preferred and safest; recommended for vol greater than 2mL)
• vastus lateralis muscle (preferred site for admin of biologics)
• deltoid muscle