​Clinical Procedures - Intramuscular Injection

​Clinical Procedures - Intramuscular Injection 
Intramuscular injections can be administered at essentially any site with adequate muscle mass. Usual sites are deltoids and the gluteal region (upper, outer quadrant of buttock).
• Ensure that you comply with the local policy regarding drug administration. In hospital, two healthcare professionals should usually check and administer medication.
Equipment
• Appropriate syringe (dependent upon quantity of drug to be administered
• 25G (orange) needle (usually)
• Prescribed drug
• Prescription chart
• Antiseptic swab
• Plaster.
Procedure
• Assess patient for drugs required (i.e. for pain relief, vomiting etc.)
• Refer to prescription chart, double-checking the appropriate drugs and dosage to be given:
• D Always ensure you are fully aware of any possible side effects of any drugs you are due to administer
• Double-check the prescription chart for date and appropriate route for administration
• Check administration of previous dose not too soon after last dose?
• Ensure that the drug to be given is within its use-by §
• Check patient and chart for any evidence of allergies. relevant drug reactions
• Always comply with the local hand-hygiene practices
• Once all above completed as per hospital policy, draw-up required drug and check appropriate needle size
• Complete appropriate documentation
Documentation
• Drugs should always be signed for as per local policy
• Signature and time should be clearly recorded
• Site drug administered
• Reason for drug administration, time given, and any impact on the patient should be recorded in the nursing notes
• Immediate vital signs should be recorded in notes
• Any causes for concern arising from administration of drugs should be clearly documented in the medical notes
• Signature, printed name, and contact details.
• Once checked by suitably qualified staff take drug and prescription chart to the patient
• Introduce yourself, confirm the patient's identity, explain the procedure, and obtain informed consent
• Check with patient: name and date of birth (if capable):
• If incapable, check name band with another healthcare professional
•  The patient may need to be assisted to change position, if unable to move themselves, and to enable access to an appropriate site
• Select appropriate site, and cleanse with the antiseptic wipe:
 If injecting into the buttock, mark a spot at the upper, outer quadrant to avoid the sciatic nerve
•If using the deltoid muscle, feel the muscle mass and ensure there is enough muscle to take the needle
• Insert needle at 90° angle into the skin
• Draw syringe plunger back, checking for any blood. If none, inject drug slowly:
• D If any blood is noted on pulling the plunger back, withdraw and stop procedure provide reassurance and explanation to the patient
• Once the procedure is completed without complication, withdraw needle and discard into a sharps bin
• Monitor patient for any negative effects of the drug.