Intramuscular Medication Administration
Key Points
- Intramuscular (IM) injections deliver medication into muscle tissue for sustained systemic absorption.
- Common sites include deltoid, vastus lateralis, and ventrogluteal regions.
- Correct technique uses a 90-degree insertion angle with age/body-size appropriate needle selection.
Equipment
- Ordered IM medication and syringe
- Needle typically 20G-25G and 5/8 to 1.5 in (15.9 to 38.1 mm)
- Antiseptic solution, gloves, and sterile supplies
- Sharps container and documentation tools
Procedure Steps
- Verify patient identity, medication order, and medication rights.
- Assess patient suitability for IM route, including muscle mass, adipose thickness, and injection volume.
- Select appropriate injection site (deltoid, vastus lateralis, or ventrogluteal) based on patient factors.
- Perform hand hygiene and prepare site with antiseptic solution.
- Prepare medication and select proper needle gauge/length for patient age and body composition.
- Insert needle with quick dart-like motion at 90 degrees into target muscle.
- Aspirate per source guidance to check for blood return before injecting medication.
- Inject medication slowly and steadily.
- Withdraw needle swiftly and apply gentle pressure to minimize bleeding.
- Dispose of needle/syringe immediately in puncture-proof sharps container.
- Document medication, dose, route, site, and patient response/adverse reactions.
Common Errors
- Poor site selection for medication volume/body habitus → ineffective delivery and tissue injury risk.
- Incorrect angle or needle length → suboptimal muscle deposition.
- Breaks in aseptic technique → injection-site infection risk.
- Delayed sharps disposal or incomplete documentation → safety and continuity failures.
Related
- subcutaneous-medication-administration - Distinguishes SQ versus IM depth and angle parameters.
- oral-medication-administration-safety - Medication rights, monitoring, and documentation principles apply across routes.