Fundamentals of Nursing Q 327
The correct method for determining the vastus lateralis site for I.M. injection is to:
A. Locate the upper aspect of the upper outer quadrant of the buttock about 5 to 8 cm below the iliac crest.
B. Palpate the lower edge of the acromion process and the midpoint lateral aspect of the arm.
C. Palpate a 1” circular area anterior to the umbilicus.
D. Divide the area between the greater femoral trochanter and the lateral femoral condyle into thirds, and select the middle third on the anterior of the thigh.
Correct Answer: D. Divide the area between the greater femoral trochanter and the lateral femoral condyle into thirds, and select the middle third on the anterior of the thigh
The vastus lateralis, a long, thick muscle that extends the full length of the thigh, is viewed by many clinicians as the site of choice for I.M. injections because it has relatively few major nerves and blood vessels. The middle third of the muscle is recommended as the injection site. The patient can be in a supine or sitting position for an injection into this site.
Option A: There are specific landmarks to be taken into consideration while giving IM injections so as to avoid any neurovascular complications. The heel of the opposing hand is placed in the greater trochanter, the index finger in the anterior superior iliac spine, and the middle finger below the iliac crest. The drug is injected in the triangle formed by the index, middle finger, and the iliac crest
Option B: The deltoid area is 2.5 to 5 cm below the acromion process. Intramuscular injection is the method of installing medications into the depth of the bulk of specifically selected muscles. The basis of this process is that the bulky muscles have good vascularity, and therefore the injected drug quickly reaches the systemic circulation and thereafter into the specific region of action, bypassing the first-pass metabolism.
Option C: The vastus lateralis is a common site for IM injection. The middle third of the line joining the greater trochanter of the femur and the lateral femoral condyle of the knee. It is one of the most common medical procedures to be performed on an annual basis. However, there is still a lack of uniform guidelines and an algorithm in giving IM among health professionals across the world.