UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Indications
- To administer intramuscular medication.
Contraindications
Contraindications
Patient Factors & Considerations
- Ensure no air bubbles within drawn up medication
- Should blood be drawn back, remove needle and adjust landmark.
- Control bleeding with dressing and direct pressure
Procedure
- All relevant infection control methods to be utilised.
- Prepare equipment required:
- Medication
- Vanishpoint™ Syringe 23G (3cc)
- Sharps container
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Draw up medication.
- Select and prepare the injection site (either Deltoid or Lateral thigh) with antiseptic swab.
- Injection site should be free from oedema, inflammation, bruising or damaged skin.
- Insert needle swiftly at 90° and deep into the muscle.
- Withdraw the plunger, confirming no blood aspiration.
- Depress the plunger, injecting the medication until the needle retracts automatically.
- Dispose of the used syringe appropriately, and monitor site for bleeding.
Success
- As per individual medications administration guidelines.
Discontinue
- As per individual medications administration guidelines.
Additional Information
- Medications administered intramuscularly have variable absorption rates and a lower bioavailability than the same medication administered intravenously.
References
Intramuscular Injection. (2014). Expert in My Pocket. http://expertinmypocket.com.au/intramuscular-injection/
Document Control
Directorate
Clinical Services
Responsible Manager
Head of Clinical Services
Published Date
Review Date
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