![]() The ventrogluteal site is free from blood vessels and nerves, and it has the greatest thickness of muscle when compared to other sites (Cocoman & Murray, 2008 Malkin, 2008 Ogston-Tuck, 2014a).Ī longer needle with a larger gauge is required to penetrate deep muscle tissue. However, there is sufficient evidence that the ventrogluteal IM site is the preferred site whenever possible, and it is an acceptable site for oily and irritating medications. Literature shows inconsistency in the selection of sites for deep muscular injections: selection may be based on familiarity and confidence rather than on “best practice” (Ogston-Tuck, 2014a). Sites for intramuscular injections include the ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis, and the deltoid site. Because of the adverse and documented effects of pain associated with IM injections, nurses are encouraged to consider other routes first and use the IM route of administration as a last alternative (Perry et al., 2018). ![]() In addition, any factors that impair blood flow to the local tissue will affect the rate and extent of drug absorption. With IMs, there is slight risk of injecting the medication directly into the patient’s bloodstream. Complications with IM include muscle atrophy, injury to bone, cellulitis, sterile abscesses, pain, and nerve injury (Hunter, 2008 Ogston-Tuck, 2014a). Intramuscular injections must be done carefully to avoid complications. When choosing a needle size, factors to be considered include the weight of the patient, age, amount of adipose tissue, medication viscosity, and injection site (Hunter, 2008 Perry et al., 2018 Workman, 1999). An IM site is chosen based on the age and condition of the patient, and the volume and type of medication injected. The technique of IM injections has changed over the past years due to evidence-based research and changes in equipment available for the procedure. In addition, muscle tissue is less sensitive than subcutaneous tissue to irritating solutions and concentrated and viscous medications (Greenway, 2014 Perry et al., 2018 Rodgers & King, 2000). Due to their rich blood supply, IM injection sites can absorb larger volumes of solution, which means a range of medications, such as sedatives, anti-emetics, hormonal therapies, analgesics, and immunizations, can be administered. The IM site is used for medications that require a quick absorption rate but also a reasonably prolonged action (Rodgers & King, 2000). The rich blood supply, allows medications to be absorbed faster through muscle fibres than through the subcutaneous route (Malkin, 2008 Ogston-Tuck, 2014a Perry et al., 2018). Intramuscular (IM) injections deposit medications into the muscle. Slightly change the spot where you give the shot each time you do it.Chapter 7. To help avoid bruising, don't rub the area.ĭon't use the same needle more than one time. You can use your finger, a cotton ball, or a piece of gauze. If you bleed a little, apply pressure over the shot area.Take the needle out at the same angle that you inserted it.This way, the medicine goes into the muscle. If there's no blood in the syringe, slowly push the plunger all the way in.Insert the new needle in a different spot, and check again to see if there is blood. Get rid of the needle and syringe, and prepare a new syringe with medicine. If you hit a vessel, pull the needle out of the skin. If you see blood in the syringe, you have hit a blood vessel. Hold the syringe in place with one hand, and pull back on the plunger with the other hand.Quickly jab the needle all the way into the skin.The needle should stand straight up from the skin. Place the syringe at a 90-degree angle to the shot site.Stretch the skin flat using your fingers and thumb of one hand.Hold the syringe like a dart close to the site.If the muscle is sore, pick a new area for the shot. If it is sore, you could have pain in the area after giving the shot. Choose a spot on your thigh or behind your hip for the shot.Ĭheck to make sure that the muscle isn't already sore from activity.Wash your hands with soap and running water.This includes your syringe (containing medicine) and an alcohol wipe or a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. Your nurse will show you how to give yourself the shot. How can you give yourself an intramuscular shot?įollow your health professional's instructions for where and how often to inject your medicine.
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