preferred im injection site in elderly??

[truern]

What is the preferred site for IM injections in older patients??

Thanks :)

[leslie :-D]

wherever you can get the most muscle mass. it's not always the buttocks. i like the quads myself.

[KibbsRNstudent]

wherever you can get the most muscle mass. it's not always the buttocks. i like the quads myself.

Good to know. Thanks!:)

[truern]

thanks, ya'll :)

it seems like such a simple question, but you wouldn't believe the conflicting info i'm finding online and in books.

it's part of a self-study project for school :)

[jkaee]

wherever you can get the most muscle mass. it's not always the buttocks. i like the quads myself.

Exactly right. As us geriatric nurses know best, you can't always go by the "textbook" when dealing with the elderly.

Before I give an injection, I usually assess muscle mass in the resident first. Also, I try to stay away from the "weaker" side (ie post CVA). It's true, usually the quads have the most mass, but it's more painful to get an injection in that site, so if I can I go for the buttocks. If it's an injection that has more that 2 cc's, though, I go for the quad. I rarely use the arm, esp with the frail ladies.