Am I doing intramuscular injections wrong?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey guys,

I hope I can post this more personal question and ask you guys for advice! I'm a sophomore nursing student that hasn't even started clinicals yet. I self administer intramuscular injections with a 22g needle and I was hoping I can get advice on whether I am doing it right or not since I'm sure a lot of you are experienced!

I notice that when I inject closer to the middle of the thigh and away from the vastus lateralis, the needle will not go all the way in and it seems to hit something. Possibly the femur? The medication also tends to be much more difficult to inject this way.

I also get an odd sensation that feels like a very subtle but painless numbness that lasts for 15 minutes. After that, I occasionally feel a slight tingle in my lower leg near the ankles. A few minutes later, there is significantly more soreness at the injection site but nothing major.

This could be a placebo effect but I just want to make sure I'm okay.

This is pretty different from when I inject closer the vastus lateralis because the needle goes all the way in and I don't feel much.

What should I be doing?

Again, I'm sorry for posting such an irrelevant question but I'm hoping I get a quick answer!

THanks

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What should I be doing?

Contact your prescribing health care provider for specific instructions on how to administer your medication (and expected/typical side effects that may be experienced). We are not able to ask for or offer medical advice on this site per the terms of service.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Mother-Baby and SCN.

As non medical advice, just wanting to point out that the main targeted injection site of the thigh is the vastus lateralis... So keep that in mind when choosing injection site. Other than to state that, I agree you could discuss your experience with your HCP as I have nothing to say re: your experience otherwise.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As mentioned we can not offer medical advice as these comes under the remit of self. We strongly recommend you speak to your PCP

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