IM Injections

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Lost with IM injections! I'm about to graduate and i still haven't given an IM injection! What's the best way of giving it in the hip? I'm so afraid im going to mess it up! Also what is the best syringe to us? I am lost so any lost will help! Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

What has your program taught you?

What dose your textbook say?

The best site depends on how much medication you are giving. Flu shots on adults the best spot is in the deltoid. The best syringe? Your facility may only have a couple of kinds or only one kind so you don't really get to choose, but again length of syringe depends on the site that you are using.

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Please visit the following link:

http://www.ykhoanet.com/baigiang/dieuduong/vuphong/Skill_kythuattiemantoan.pdf

This is very detailed information on IM injections and gives visuals on finding your landmarks and giving the injection in the correct place. Do not use the gluteas maximus site as this is generally no longer recommended due to the possibility of hitting the sciatic nerve. Give no more than 1mL in the deltoid, no more than 2mL in the vastus lateralis, and no more than 3mL in the ventral gluteal site.

There is another thread on AllNurses that is all about IM injections. Here is the link:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/im-injection-sites-342142.html

I definitely recommend observing another nurse perform an IM injection in each of these sites prior to attempting it on your own; or at least have them with you to provide guidance.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Congratulations on almost being done with school!! ...It's a big accomplishment.

Amanda

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...forgot to comment on syringe size. The length will always be dependent on the site and size of the person. Really emaciated patients will only need a 5/8" for the deltoid, but most people require 1". All other sites usually require 1 and 1/2" (and sometimes even longer for the hip if they're quite overweight). The gauge of the needle depends on the medication you're giving. Usually a 25 gauge is more than sufficient for vaccines and medications, but really thick medications that have been reconstituted (ie. Rocephin) require a 23 gauge. The facility where you work will have a standard set of needles to choose from, so you will use what they have available (the other nurses will know which needles are appropriate for the site and medication that's being given). Never be afraid to ask questions! ...questions are what prevent errors, and there truly is NO 'dumb' question, so ask away! ;)

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Amanda

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Thank you so much for that website!! That has helped soooo much!

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Specializes in Rehab.

you should review this in ur nursing text to be 100% accurate, but they are easy , have u given heparin or lovenox, the only difference is that u aspirate when ur giving a im injection, no big deal

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