Vastus Lateralis

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Specializes in ER, LTC, IHS.

I have always kind of had difficutly landmarking injection sites. The other day we had police bring in a psych pt and she got put in 4 point restraints. When the "b52" was ordered I found it easiest to inject in her vl. Later I tried it on a couple other pts and it seemed to work better not only for me but for them as well. I was just wondering if many of you routinely use this injection sites on adults.

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

I love thighs!!!!

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Specializes in L&D and OB-GYN office.

The VL is great, just be sure to know the best route of admin for the particular drug you are giving. For example, I often give Depo Provera IM injections, but the manufacturer recommends giving it in one of the gluteal muscles.

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Specializes in ED, CTSurg, IVTeam, Oncology.

lol, i remember one sickle cell patient, whose muscles were so damaged and scarred by the repeated im shots into them, have a needle that i was trying to insert for injection, actually bounce off her thigh. it was the only time in my life that i'd ever seen that. :uhoh3:

yes, the vastus lateralis is fine, especially in a busy overcrowded ed, with limited privacy, and you don't want to show someone's butt. i've also given patients emergency shots in the vl (while they were held down by other staff) right through their clothes. :eek:

*** sidebar *** for the uninitiated: "b52" is ed "speak" for benadryl 25mg im/iv, haldol 5mg im/iv, ativan 2mg im/iv; generally given for emergency sedation.

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Specializes in CT-ICU, ER, Surgical.

Oh yeah! B52 right through the jeans! I just wish it would work faster! :up::up:

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.

I have to say I've NEVER used the vl; usually the gluteals. Also never heard of a "B52" so thanks, EmergencyRN, I learned something today!:heartbeat

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The VL is my favorite injection site! It is the one I choose most often for IM. I do use the gluteal for Penicillin injections. About the only time I use the Deltoid is for tetorifice injections.

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Specializes in ER.

I love the vastus lateralis too! I use it alllll the time in adults. It is much easier to get to than the gluet.

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I usually do it for kids. Its harder for them to get away from me and the muscle pops out quite nicely.

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Oh yeah! B52 right through the jeans! I just wish it would work faster! :up::up:

I got in trouble for doing that to a drunk pt who kicked me in the stomach .(security wasn't holding her down well enough) Charge nurse scolded me for not using sterile technique. Give me an effin break. I would do it again if I had to.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I go for the deltoid or the ventrogluteal. I would go for the VL if the patient was uncooperative, though. It's just easier.

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Specializes in Trauma/ED, SANE/FNE, LNC.

when it comes to a combative drunk in restraints, right in the thigh! and through the jeans:yeah:

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