Help!! I have to give my dad IM injections (vit b12) and haven't had to give an IM injection in quite some time (I currently work in the OR and don't need to administer injections). I've been reading the best site to give it is ventrogluteal, but I'm not that comfortable with that since I've never done that at all.... at least I've done them in the deltoid before - even though it was a long time ago and only a couple times. My dad is super skinny and his muscles have definitely atrophied (hence the vit b12 needed), but he does still have a little more muscle in his deltoid then I anticipated. The pharmacy gave me 22 gauge syringes with 1 1/2 length. My questions are:
-Do you think it's ok to administer in his deltoid vs. ventrogluteal?
-How deep do I actually go in with the needle if he doesn't have as much muscle as an average 66 yr old man? Should I stop at 1 inch? I'm Terrified to hit bone, but want to make sure he gets the med directly into muscle.
-Any other pointers/tips???
Thank you guys so much in advance for your help and advice (I know these are amateur questions, so no judging, please!) =)
Of course she can give the injections as his caregiver! I have trained countless non=licensed individuals on how to safely adminster all types of injectables .I even have trained caregivers on how to start IVs.Last summer I trained a patient's husband how to start IVS.LAST as as he needed to give monthly infusions to his wife.The fact that she has a nursing license is just a bonus
No, you don't have to give your dad IM injections. You are not responsible to administer his prescribed medications, or covered under your licensure to do so.
Discuss this with his provider. Dad needs to go into the office to receive his injections.
Or try to get a home health nurse to give the shots. Doc should order home health.
You could place the injection in his anterior thigh. I wouldn't use 1 1/2 inch needle. I would use 25 gauge 1 inch needle. Realistically he should go to the doctor's office to have his injections.
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
I am a realist. If it is hard for the family member to go out then i would give the injections at home. Any nurse is trained and it seems to me she was just updating her training and clarifying things. I would also use a 1 inch needle and use the VG or VL sites. Not much risk of harm and I am pretty sure her dad won't sure her! I have taught (back in the day) many lay people to give injections safely. Not always realistic to get a home health nurse or to an office.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
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Moved to the Nursing & Patient medications forum.