IM injection in the gluteus medius?

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  1. This is a discussion on IM injection in the gluteus medius? in General Nursing Discussion, part of General Nursing ... In my anatomy class, we had to search online and answer what buttocks muscle is used for IM...

    by Feb 27, '07
    In my anatomy class, we had to search online and answer what buttocks muscle is used for IM injections and why. I searched and came accross an article, and so I answered that it is the gluteus medius because it avoids major nerves and blood vessels, and it has landmarks that are easy to identify.

    First question, do you think that is the correct answer? The reason I ask is that I remember hearing that the gluteus maximus was the most popular site. I am a little confused. Thanks

    Second question should you care to answer it, is what gluteal site do you use and why?
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    by EJM Feb 27, '07 11:27 am
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  2. 4 Comments so far...

  3. Feb 27, '07 by
    Gluteus medius (AKA the ventrogluteal site, or simply "the hip") is my prefered site. It doesn't require as much exposure as sticking one in the butt. Pt can just hike down pants on one side. Put the palm of your hand on the greater trochanter (the big lump where the femur inserts into the pelvis) spread your index and middle fingers out to touch the top of the iliac crest and go right between. Quick, easy.

    When you get around back, you have to watch for the major nerves running through the area and then you get into marking reference points, drawing imaginary lines, using upper thirds of muscle and all that. I like the other one better.
  4. Feb 27, '07 by
    I prefer this site, myself, both when giving shots and receiving them.

    There are less nerves/vessels there.
  5. Feb 27, '07 by
    Quote from EJM
    In my anatomy class, we had to search online and answer what buttocks muscle is used for IM injections and why. I searched and came accross an article, and so I answered that it is the gluteus medius because it avoids major nerves and blood vessels, and it has landmarks that are easy to identify.

    First question, do you think that is the correct answer? The reason I ask is that I remember hearing that the gluteus maximus was the most popular site. I am a little confused. Thanks

    Second question should you care to answer it, is what gluteal site do you use and why?
    We were taught both the maximus and the medius. Maximus only the upper right quadrant (in essence, make a plus sign on a butt cheek and go for the top right), however my instructors are firm believers in the medius b/c of the danger of hitting the cyatic (sp?) nerve with the maximus.
  6. Guide
    Feb 27, '07 by
    Ventrogluteus girl myself. Free from nerves, major vessels etc. Anecdotally, I've had patients say it hurts less.