Deltoid IM injections

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

I have a question regarding IM injections to the deltoid muscle. I have always slightly bunched the muscle and then given the injection. A coworker recently told me that she was taught in school to just hold the skin taught and then give the injection. I have look this up on line and see it demonstrated both ways. In a reference book on medical assisting it says to hold the skin taught unless it is a pediatric patient or very thin patient and then to bunch the skin slight. Can anyone tell me what is correct?

Also we use one inch needles for all IM deltoid injections but I have seen a recommendation to use up to 1 1/2 inch needle, if pt. is very obese. Has anyone rountinely done that?

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I usually hold the skin taught as you are aiming for the muscle not the subQ tissue.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

If you bunch and use a 1 inch needle you are most likely giving it SQ not IM.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

Use the technique comfortable for you which allows you to provide the medication via IM rather than SQ injection.

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