The technique used for IM injection depends on the patient's age and weight. For adults and older children, a common technique is to spread the skin between the fingers of the non-dominant hand and pull the skin down to one side (the Z track technique). This technique helps to ensure that the medication is injected deep into the muscle and minimizes discomfort. For infants and young children, the anterolateral thigh is often used as the injection site.
Specific techniques used for IM injections:
- Spreading the skin between the fingers: This is often done for adults and older children, as it makes the tissue taut and minimizes discomfort.
- Pulling the skin down to one side (Z track technique): This technique also helps to ensure that the medication is injected deep into the muscle and minimizes discomfort.
- Using a 1.5-inch needle: This needle length is commonly used for adults of any weight when injecting into the anterolateral thigh.
- Aspirating after inserting the needle: If blood appears in the syringe after aspiration, withdraw the needle, replace it, and start again.
Key factors to consider when administering IM injections:
- Needle length: The needle length should be appropriate for the patient's size and the injection site.
- Angle of injection: The needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle for most IM injections.
- Injection site: The deltoid muscle is a common injection site for adults and older children, while the anterolateral thigh is preferred for infants and young children.
- Aspirating: Aspirating after inserting the needle can help to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel.
