Painful IM

Sour Lemon · Oct 20, 2016

I've received a lot of IM injections, both self-administered and given by others. They sting quite a bit when the alcohol is not allowed to completely dry before the injection is given. They're also less comfortable when the giver is slow or hesitant. A super-fast, dart-like motion is best.

ottersloveoysters · Oct 20, 2016

I agree with Sour Lemon about letting the alcohol dry and not going too slowly. Also, in my experience, most IM injections just plain hurt!

SammyCT · Oct 20, 2016

Thanks for your answers. We do not use alcohol at all. I'm sad because i'm getting afraid of hurting... i watched youtube videos also and still i dont figure out what i'm doing wrong.

Slipping CMA · Oct 21, 2016

Are you making sure the bevel is up? Don't "throw it" but use a quick dart like motion. Just some other ideas

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 21, 2016

Seconding with Sour Lemon. No ethanol, 90 degrees to the skin, QUICK IN, QUICK OUT. And, if not standing, then sitting is better.

P.S. smaller needle makes absolutely no difference in term of where the drug goes into. Unless patient is a professional bodybuilder or cachectic, people have pad of fat of at least 2 inches at that place. So, it is de facto SQ, not IM, and thinner, shorter needle makes no difference except it stings less... kind of.

12hrshifts · Oct 21, 2016

Pull the skin taut between thumb and first finger. You are wanting it to go into muscle so pinching up is not required, yet I see people doing that all the time. It's counterproductive.

cleback · Oct 21, 2016

While I can't speak for everyone, I know I would be more likely to tense up with a needle to the behind vs arm or leg... that would make it hurt more.