IM injections

[allie136]

I'm an LPN with one year of experience in a LTC facility. After reading some discussions by other nurses, I'm a little confused with the proper way to administer an IM. I learned from nursing school to hold the skin taut (no pinching up), and to aspirate. I've read on here that several seasoned nurses are pinching up the skin. Also, I've noticed it when I went to get my flu vaccination. I'm very confused now because the books tell you to hold skin taut for an IM, pinch up the skin for a sub q injection.

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

"Old school way" which hasnt changed by the way - hold skin taut for IM, pinch for SQ (especially if you have a small patient. I didnt pinch enough when I was in my med/surg rotation in school with an elderly CA pt and went through into my own finger!! That was over 28 years ago and I have never forgotten it lol. I learned to "pinch" well after that.

http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/intramuscular-injection

http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/subcutaneous-injection