Definition
An intramuscular injection is an injection given directly into the central area of a specific muscle. In this way, the blood vessels supplying that muscle distribute the injected medication via thecardiovascular system.
Purpose
Intramuscular injection is used for the delivery of certain drugs not recommended for other routes of administration, for instance intravenous, oral, or subcutaneous. The intramuscular route offers a faster rate of absorption than the subcutaneous route, and muscle tissue can often hold a larger volume of fluid without discomfort. In contrast, medication injected into muscle tissues is absorbed less rapidly and takes effect more slowly that medication that is injected intravenously. This is favorable …show more content…
Determining which site is most appropriate will depend upon the patient's muscle density at each site, the type and nature of medication you wish to administer, and of course the patient's preferred site for injections.
Preparation
Before administering medication, a health care practitioner verify the medication order for accuracy and prepare the medication from the vial or ampule. * First, ensure you have identified the patient and assist them into a position which is comfortable and practical for access to the injection site you have chosen. * Locate the correct area for injection using the above guidelines or those taught during medical training. Clean the site with an alcohol swab or other cleansing agent. * Prepare the syringe by removing the needle cover, inverting the syringe, and expelling any excess air. Approximately 0.1–0.2 ml of air should be left in the syringe so that the air in the top of the syringe chamber, when the syringe and needle are pointing down, forces the entire amount of medication to be delivered. This also prevents medication residue from being left in the needle, where it can leak into the subcutaneous and dermal layers when the syringe and needle are removed from the muscle. * When ready to inject, spread the skin using the fingers of the non-dominant hand. Holding the syringe with the thumb and forefinger of the