IM Injection Tips

[netgeek]

Hi There,

I am starting to work some immunization clinics in a few weeks. I really dislike giving IM's as I fear I am going to tap the bone. I am wondering if you have any tips for giving an IM to people with tiny arms? We use a 1 inch needle for all ages/arm size.

Thanks

[FlowerbuddRN]

from what a clinical preceptor showed me- have the pt dorsal/pedal flex while you feel approx where you expect the muscles to be.. now you can't do a thigh on a lil old skinny lady.. you've got to have someone who has a muscle there, and then i grasp that area between my thumb and forefinger.

i've only used that spot if i feel the muscles flexing when they do it, and if i can feel muscle to "grab".. if i have an overweight patient more than likely they are getting a deltoid IM

[RN007]

That's what I do, too. Thank you for the confirmation. :)