I.M. injection in hip....

allnurses Guide · Oct 31, 2009

Hi, I'm a new LPN, and was wondering what is the best way to find the appropriate site for an IM injection in the hip/butt? I was taught to used the 4 quadrants method & divide the butt in to 4 quadrants, but I see so many nurses find the site differently. I give it right under the hip bone, using the 4 quadrant method. But I have seen many nurses give the inection low, several inches under the hip bone... this seems kinda close to the sciatic nerve to me. What's the best way to find the site? Thanks.....

I was taught the quadrant method to give my IM injections. I always have used the upper outer quadrant to give my IM injections. The reason most nurses get away with giving injections all over the gluteal is because it is extremely hard to actually hit the sciatic nerve. I do sciatic nerve blocks, and the sciatic nerve on average lies about 4-6 inches below the skin well below where most needles can reach. This doesn't excuse bad technique, but it does explain why most nurses get away with giving their injections all over the place.

andreasmom02 · Oct 31, 2009

Oh ok, thanks. That's a really good answer... I'll keep that in mind! :specs:

tewdles, RN · Nov 1, 2009

Please remember that the sciatic nerve is much more accessable in pediatric patients and IM injections are not given in the gluteal region for this reason.