Intramuscular Flashcards
(29 cards)
Purpose
To deliver medication into muscle tissue.
Equipment
Medication record/electronic medication record/medication card
Pen
Two alcohol swabs
Disposable gloves
Medication tray
Medication to be administered
3-mL syringe with 1-, 1.5-, or 2-inch needle (21, 22, or 23 gauge)
Assessment
Medication order
Site of last injection
Allergies
Client’s response to previous injections, as noted in chart
Intended injection side and condition (e.g., presence of bruises, tenderness, skin breaks, or edemas)
Factors affecting size and gauge of needle (client’s size and age, site of injection, vuscosity and residual effects of medication)
Step 1 and rationale
Perform hand hygiene
- Reduces transfer of microorganisms
Step 2 and rationale
Prepare medication according to the ten rights of drug administration
- Decreades chance of drug error
Step 3 + rationale
Identify client by reading identification bracelet and ask client’s name
- Confirms identity of client
Step 4 + rationale
Explain procedure and purpose of drug to client
- Decreases anxiety
Steo 5 + rationale
Verify allergies listed on medication record or electronic medication record
- Alerts nurse to possibility of allergic reaction
Step 6 + rationale
Don gloves
- Decreasesnurse’s exposure to secretions
Step 7 + rationale
Select injection site appropriate for client’s size and age.
- Provides sufficient muscle mass for medication absorption.
Step 8 + rationale
Assist client into position for comfort and ewst visibility of injection site.
- Facilitates administration of injection.
Step 9 + rationale
Clean site with alcohol
- Maintains asepsis
Step 10
Remove needle cap.
Pull skin taut at insertion site by using the following sequence:
• Place thumb and index finger of non dominant hand over injection site (taking care not to touch cleaned area) to form a V.
• Pull thumb and index finger in opposing directions, spreading fingers about 3 inches apart.
Step 10 rationale
Facilitates smooth and complete insertion of needle into muscle.
Step 11 + rationale
Talk to client and warn of impending needlestick.
- Provides distractions; prevents jerking response.
Step 12 + rationale
Quickly insert needle at a 90-degree angle with dominant hand (as if throwing a dart).
- Minimizes pain from needle insertion.
Step 13 + rationale
Move thumb and first finger of non-dominant hand from skin to support barrel of syringe; place fingers on barrel.
- Maintains steady position of needle and prevents tearing of tissue; allows observation of barrel when aspirating.
Step 14 + rationale
Pull back on plunger and aspirate for blood return in syringe.
- Determines if needle is in a blood vessel rather than muscle tissue.
Step 15 + rationale
If blood does return when aspirating, pull the needle out, apply pressure to the insertion site, and repeat injection steps.
- Prevents IV injection.
Step 16 + rationale
If no blood returns, push plunger down slowly and smoothly; encourage client to talk or take deep breaths.
- Delivers medication; decreases client anxiety.
Step 17 + rationale
Remove needle at same angle it was inserted.
- Prevebts tearing of tissue.
Step 18 + rationale
Gently massage and clean insertion area with second alcohol wipe (if contraindicated for drug, apply firm pressure instead).
- Prevents drug from escaping into subcutaneous tissue.
Step 19 + rationale
Place needle on tray; do not recap
- Prevents needlestick.
Step 20
Remove gloves.
