Which Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting A Site For An IM Injection In A Child?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

IM Injections. Consider

the type of medication and the age, condition, and size of the patient

when selecting an IM site. Rotate IM sites to avoid complications. Potential complications include lingering pain, tissue necrosis, abscesses, and injury to blood vessels, bones, or nerves.

Which site is most often used to give IM injections to infants and toddlers?


The anterolateral thigh

is the preferred site for IM injection in infants under 12 months of age. Medications are injected into the bulkiest part of the vastus lateralis thigh muscle, which is the junction of the upper and middle thirds of this muscle.

What is the best site for administering an intramuscular injection to a pediatric patient?

Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to the skin, preferably into

the anterolateral aspect of the thigh or the deltoid muscle of the upper arm

, depending on the age of the patient (Table 6-2).

What factors are considered when selecting a syringe and needle?

Specific equipment, such as syringes and needles, is required to prepare and administer parenteral medications. The selection of the syringe and needle is based on

the type and location of injection; amount, quality, and type of medication; and the body size of the patient

.

What is an acceptable IM injection site for a pediatric patient?

For infants, the IM injection site is

the front outer side of the thigh

. Do not use the inner thigh or back of the thigh. Divide the thigh into thirds; the injection site is in the middle third section. To inject into the site, the needles must be 16mm to 22 mm long.

Can you give 2 ml in deltoid?

Generally

only limited injection volumes can

be given by intramuscular injection: 2 ml in the deltoid and thigh muscles, and up to 5 ml in the gluteus maximus. The point of injection should be as far as possible from major nerves and blood vessels to avoid neural damage and accidental intravenous administration.

What is the Z track technique?

The Z-track method is

a type of IM injection technique used to prevent tracking (leakage) of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue

(underneath the skin). During the procedure, skin and tissue are pulled and held firmly while a long needle is inserted into the muscle.

What size needle do you use when performing an IM injection on a child?

Intramuscular (IM) injections

Needle length is usually

1′′–11⁄2”, 22–25 gauge

, but a longer or shorter needle may be needed depending on the patient’s weight.

How do you give an IM injection to a child?

  1. Gently push on the plunger until all the medicine is injected.
  2. Take the needle and syringe out. …
  3. Gently massage the injection site.

What size needle is used for intramuscular injection?

Intramuscular (IM) injections

Needle length is usually

1′′–11⁄2”, 22–25 gauge

, but a longer or shorter needle may be needed depending on the patient’s weight. Note: An alternate site for IM injection in adults is the anterolateral thigh muscle.

What are the 3 different sizes of syringes?

Most syringes come in measures of

30-units or 0.3 milliliters (ml), 50 units (0.5 ml), and 100 units (1 ml)

. These measures refer to the barrel size and how much insulin the syringe can hold.

Do you give injections bevel up or down?

Place the needle almost flat against the patient’s skin,

bevel side up

, and insert needle into the skin. Insert the needle only about 1/4 in., with the entire bevel under the skin. Keeping the bevel side up allows for smooth piercing of the skin and induction of the medication into the dermis.

What are two of the most common IV equipment complications?

  • Inflammation. One of the most common complications of IV injections is inflammation of the vein, or phlebitis. …
  • Drug irritation. Direct injection of a drug into a peripheral vein can cause irritation and inflammation in surrounding tissues. …
  • Bruising. …
  • Drug extravasation. …
  • Infection. …
  • Central line issues.

How do you give an injection without pain?

  1. If you can, make sure your medicine is at room temperature.
  2. Wait until the alcohol you used to clean where you’re going to inject is dry.
  3. Always use a new needle.
  4. Get the air bubbles out of the syringe.
  5. Make sure the needle is lined up right going in and coming out.
  6. Stick the needle in quickly.

Are intramuscular injections safe?


Intramuscular injections are among the safest

, and anyone can be trained to do them.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.