The injection intramuscular is a medical term for those vaccines put into a muscle. Almost none of us like injections, do we? Well, imagine the children. Injections are necessary, above all, at certain specific times, such as when we are given vaccines as children.
Intramuscular injections are a type of injection in which the drug is administered into the muscle. This is because depending on which medication it needs to be delivered into the power to work correctly.
The syringes are made up of 3 components. On one side is the needle, and on the other is the plunger and cylinder. What is inserted into the muscle is only the needle, while inside the cylinder is where the medicine is. But what are the sites to give an intramuscular injection? In the following FastlyHealarticle we will explain it to you.
Table of Contents
What is an intramuscular injection?
An intramuscular injection is an injection of medicine given into the muscle. Certain medications need to be delivered into the power to work correctly. To make an intramuscular injection, you must use a syringe composed of 3 parts: the needle, the cylinder, and the plunger. The needle is inserted into the muscle.
Where to infiltrate
There are specific sites where so-called intramuscular injections are given. It is essential to choose the intramuscular injection site for children to avoid injury to the nerves. The most common areas are:
- Vastus lateralis muscle: This is one of the sites for intramuscular injection preferred by most physicians. The thigh muscles or the vast lateral power is distributed along the front of the child’s thigh, slightly to the outer side. It can be noticed by placing the thumb in the middle of the thigh and running the fingers down the side.
- Gluteal muscle: it is the area where there is much less chance of injury.
- Deltoid muscle: the upper arm muscle. You have to be very careful with this site as the nerve and radial artery are very close. It is necessary to palpate the powers and find the safest area carefully.
- Dorsogluteal muscle: The dorsogluteal power is significant in the rear or buttocks. This is the region where most adults are vaccinated. It is necessary to expose one of the buttocks, which will be cleaned with alcohol starting from the top.
How to give an intramuscular injection
These are the steps to follow to give an intramuscular injection:
- Open the alcohol wipe: I cleaned the area where the injection will be given. Let the area dry. Do not touch the site until you pass the infusion.
- Prepare the needle: hold the syringe with the writing hand and pull the cover with the other hand. Place the syringe between your thumb and index finger. Let the barrel of the syringe rest on your second finger.
- Support the skin around the injection site: gently press and pull the skin with your free hand to tighten the thigh.
- Insert the needle into the muscle: Hold the barrel of the syringe tightly and use your wrist to inject the needle into the skin and the power at a 90-degree angle.
- Check the needle: release the skin with the other hand. Hold the syringe so that it points directly. Pull the plunger a little to ensure it does not touch a blood vessel. If blood comes out, remove the needle immediately. Do not inject the medicine. Discard the syringe and medicine.
- Put new medicine in a new syringe: When you give the second injection, give it to the other side.
- Inject the medicine: Push the plunger to inject the medicine. Do not force the medication by pushing hard. Some drugs cause pain. You can inject the mixture slowly to reduce pain.
- Remove the needle: Once the medicine is injected, withdraw the hand at the same angle inserted. Put gauze over the injection area.
Side effects of misapplied intramuscular injection
Although if intramuscular injections are applied correctly, they should not be a concern, it is true that if they are not done correctly, it may have consequences for the patient’s health. Here we explain the possible side effects of a poorly applied intramuscular injection :
- Infection and abscess due to lack of hygiene.
- Bruising is one of the most common complications of injections.
- Emphysema is an air bubble within muscle tissues.
Another possible consequence of a misapplied injection is nerve injury, be it sciatica -in the buttocks- or radial -in the arm. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Pain.
- Soft spot.Paralysis.
- Numbness
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Sites to give an intramuscular injection: method and consequences, we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, joints, and muscles.
Advice
- Please wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly. Put on gloves if necessary.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.