Intramuscular (IM) Injection Sites

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing intramuscular (IM) injection sites, needle gauge and length specifications, maximum medication volumes, anatomical landmarks, and site recommendations based on Nurse Sarah's guide.

Deltoid IM Injection Site

An injection site located 2-3 finger-widths below the acromion process, with a maximum volume of 1 mL for adults and children. Oil-based solutions are avoided in the deltoid.

Deltoid Needle Gauge and Length

22-25 Gauge & 1-1.5" needle in adults & up to 1" in children.

Vastus Lateralis IM Injection Site

Located in the middle of the outer thigh; preferred for infants & children, especially for vaccines, because it is well developed & easy to access.

Vastus Lateralis Needle Gauge and Length

20-25 Gauge & 1-1.5" needle in adults, and 22-25 Gauge & up to 1" needle in children.

Vastus Lateralis Max Volume

3 mL max for adults, 1-2 mL max for kids.

Ventrogluteal IM Injection Site

The safest IM site because it has no nerves/vessels, a large muscle, accommodates large volumes, and is easy to find.

Ventrogluteal Placement Technique

Place hand on greater trochanter, index finger pointing toward iliac spine (anterior superior), middle finger along iliac crest, and inject in the middle of the V.

Ventrogluteal Needle Gauge and Length

20-25 Gauge & 1-1.5" needle in adults, and 22-25 Gauge & up to 1" needle in children.

Ventrogluteal Max Volume

3 mL max for adults, 1-2 mL max for kids.

Dorsogluteal Site Recommendation

Avoided and no longer recommended due to the risk of nerve and vessel injury in this location.

Rectus Femoris Site Recommendation

Not best for IM injections because it is a smaller muscle, which can cause more discomfort (though it can be used).

Intramuscular (IM) Injection Sites Summary

An overview chart illustrating anatomical landmarks, needle sizes, volume limits, and recommendations for Deltoid, Vastus Lateralis, Ventrogluteal, Dorsogluteal, and Rectus Femoris injection sites.