Vastus lateralis intramuscular injection sites. 5 inches depending on patient size and injection site.

Vastus lateralis intramuscular injection sites Nov 11, 2016 · The ventrogluteal site, rectus femoris and vastus lateralis location are the preferred location for large volume deep muscle IM injections. Good injection practice relies on accurate site selection using anatomical markers. It's an Jul 6, 2023 · The recommended injection site is the middle third of the vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh). site as repeated injections into the same site can lead to induration and abscesses. Figure 18. Knowing where intramuscular injections are given not only helps healthcare professionals administer treatments safely but also empowers patients with Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like deltoid injection site, ventrogluteal injection site, vastus lateralis injection site and more. To help relax the muscle, have the pt. The index finger, the middle finger, and the iliac crest form a V-shaped triangle. 5 inches depending on patient size and injection site. deltoi technique for intramuscular injection into the vastus lateralis site resulted in less irritability in infants and the upper arm and is the recommended site for intramuscular injections to Feb 17, 2024 · Intramuscular injection site: Gluteus medius or vastus lateralis: Needle length for gluteus medius injection: 1-1. Due to the extent of their Potential sites for intramuscular injection: Dorsogluteal site www. Please make sure to rotate your sites. It is typically used for small medication volumes (2 ml or less) and is a common injection site for routine adult immunizations. Pain management and atraumatic care practices are an important part of the care Guidelines for Intramuscular and Subcutaneous In Intramuscular In 'ections . Preferred site for infants, toddlers and children (immunizations) Jun 12, 2018 · Photograph of an infant’s thigh, showing the vastus lateralis injection site on the anterolateral thigh. [1] 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. The injection site is about halfway between the knee (lateral femoral condyle) and the top of the femur (greater trochanter). These are called dorsogluteal injections. SITES FOR SELF-INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION. Potential sites for intramuscular injection: Dorsogluteal site www. 2. Recommended site: the vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh § Use anatomical landmarks to determine the injection site. Up to 1ml can be injected into this site in neonates, up to 3mls in children and up to 5mls in adults. It doesn’t matter which site you choose unless your physician gives you specific instructions. Most adolescents and adults will require a 1- to 1. 5 inches in length Pain after injection is the most frequent complaint when using the deltoid injection site . Five videos have been produced to assist in locating the four accepted intramuscular injection sites using anatomical markers as well as the Z track technique which should be used with all injection sites. In the adult, the preferred sites for IM injection are the deltoid region, vastus lateralis, and both gluteal injection sites. The deltoid muscle is a large, rounded, triangular shape. Injection at these sites reduces the chance of involving neural or vascular structures. This allows the medication to be absorbed quickly. A video demonstrating administering a vaccine by subcutaneous injection can be found here. Aug 13, 2023 · Intramuscular injection (IM) is installing medications into the depth of specifically selected muscles. Dr. Jan 5, 2015 · In the younger (smaller) pediatric patient, the preferred site for IM injection is the vastus lateralis, whereas in older children the vastus lateralis and the deltoid regions are recommended. 2 For all other medications Use a 1- to 1. The preferred vaccine injection site for infants is the vastus lateralis (thigh), followed by the ventrogluteal (hip) muscle (WHO, 2015). To find the injection site, locate the acromion process and measure about two fingers below it. 32: This illustration shows where to locate the vastus lateralis site. For the majority of adults and children over the age of 1 presenting to the immunization clinics, the deltoid will be the most appropriate site for immunization. T a. The vastus lateralis is the only safe muscle group to use for intramuscular injection in a 4-month-old infant. This allows the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. The middle third of the muscle is used for injections–above the lateral condyle and below the greater trochanter. ection Administration SITE Vastus lateralis Ventrogluteal Deltoid Dorsogluteal Infant Needle length: 5/8 inch Volume: 0. How would the nurse locate the site?, The nurse The vastus lateralis muscle in the laterofemoral region is a safe region for IM injections due to its distance from nerves and blood vessels, the low risk of administering the drug to the subcutaneous tissue, multiple injections, easy access, and easy location 4,7. H:\PHARMACY\Drug Information\Website Document and Files\Subcutaneous and IM injections Oct 2021. Vastus lateralis injection site on the anterolateral thigh. divide the upper leg into thirds using greater trochanter and patella as landmarks. Begin by having the patient relax the arm. The needle for IM injections can be 22-23 Gauge, 1-1. The dorsogluteal site should not be used as an IM injection site. A decade later, in 2007, it's clearly stated that the vastus lateralis is the preferred site for administering I. The vastus lateralis muscle is a preferred site for intramuscular injections, particularly in infants and adults requiring larger volumes of medication. Mar 15, 2022 · Vastus lateralis; Rectus femoris; Deltoid; Ventrogluteal (Fig 1, Table 1). injection to a newborn. Four muscle sites are recommended for IM administration: l Vastus lateralis; l Rectus femoris; l Deltoid; l Ventrogluteal (Fig 1, Table 1). The deltoid is the recommended site for children 18 months of age and older. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers three scenarios that test your ability to administer intramuscular injections into Start over with steps 2-9 to draw up a new dose of medicine and inject at a new site. Intramuscular injections are typically used to administer a vaccine, painkiller, or vitamin shot. IM Injection Sites. AGE Neonates 0 – 28 days Infants 28 days – <1 year Toddlers 1 year – <3 years School age 3 years – 10 years Adolescents 11 – 18+ years Injection Site Deltoid Dec 14, 2016 · Ventrogluteal intramuscular injection site 5 Vastus lateralis site. Intramuscular injection. 34 [6] for an image of an intramuscular injection being administered at the vastus lateralis site. Place a cotton ball or gauze at the injection site and put pressure on the site for 30 seconds to 1 minute. vastus lateralis (shaded area) IM injection site area acromion Injection sites for vaccines have moved away from the dorsogluteal muscle to sites of with fewer large blood vessels. Vastus lateralis intramuscular injection site: Deltoid muscle: The deltoid muscle has a triangular shape and is easy to locate and access, but is commonly underdeveloped in adults. Aug 14, 2023 · The vastus lateralis muscle is considered the preferred site for IM injections in infants and babies, particularly those not yet walking. This site can accommodate larger volumes—up to 5 mL—making it suitable for a broader range of medications compared to other sites. To locate the correct spot, imagine dividing the thigh vertically into three equal parts. Clinical judgement is vital to assess each child individually in order to avoid complications and ensure best practice. Sep 27, 2023 · Locating the injection site of the vastus lateralis in infants [Image: Immunisation Handbook 2020, CC BY 4. Vaccines must reach the desired tissue to provide an optimal immune response and (only if vastus lateralis unavailable) For information on anatomical markers used to identify the Vastus Lateralis and Deltoid injection sites: Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vastus Lateralis injection site on the anterolateral thigh Australian Immunisation Handbook: Deltoid injection site 4. Vastus Lateralis Site. The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for children less than 18 months old because typically this muscle is well-developed. Vastus lateralis muscle. • In older children, intramuscular injections are given in the deltoid muscle. INTRODUCTION. Injection angle: 90 degrees for all intramuscular injections. The most common muscle sites when injecting are as follows: Upper arm: Deltoid muscle, which forms the bulge just below the shoulder; Thigh: Lateral border of the vastus lateralis muscle between the hip and knee Sep 19, 2017 · The document discusses various intramuscular injection sites for different ages and medications. Recommended sites for IM Injections (NIAC 2013) 0-12 months Vastus lateralis The vastus lateralis is a thick muscle located on the anterior, lateral area of the thigh. This is the preferred site for anaphylaxis management in all ages. On the outside of the thigh between the hip and the knee. In an adult, the vastus lateralis extends from just above the knee to just below the greater trochanter of the femur . Feb 19, 2024 · However, it is important to know the correct injection sites to ensure optimal absorption and minimize potential complications. Term (≥37 weeks GA) 5/8 inch (16 We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Learn more. Infants should receive all IM medications in the vastus lateralis because it is the largest muscle at that developmental age. The patient can be standing, sitting, or lying down. Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Intramuscular Injection at Vastus Lateralis Site How To Give Yourself A Hormone Injection — Intramuscular (IM) 2 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Step 3: Select and prepare injection site here are two areas you can pick for your injection site:1. What injection site is the nurse using?, The nurse is administering an intramuscular injection to a client using the ventrogluteal site. 19 The middle third of the lateral thigh between the trochanter major and the knee is an injection site in the vastus Jun 14, 2023 · Typically, people who need to self-administer injections use the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh. Little risk of injury exists with this site because no large nerves or arteries surround the area. Traditionally the dorsogluteal (DG) muscle was used for IM injections but this muscle is in close proximity to a major blood vessel and nerves, with sciatic nerve injury a recognised complication (Small, 2004). 5 The muscle is thick and well developed, and it is located on the anterior lateral aspect of the thigh. The vastus lateralis site is generally the preferred site for young infants, particularly those not yet walking. 18 Moreover, this site is often used by patients who self-administer IM injections because it is easy to access. Hip. 5 mL -Aspiration for blood return is not necessary. The most frequently used sites are the gluteus maximus (buttocks), the vastus lateralis (thigh), and the deltoid (shoulder) muscles. § IM site for older toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults Insert needle at 90o angle into densest portion of deltoid muscle above armpit and below acromion. There are only two recommended sites for administering vaccines by IM injection: Vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh. The best sites for IM injections are the vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) for infants and toddlers and the deltoid muscle for pediatric patients 3 years and older. There are 3 sites that are perfect for intramuscular injections. • The ventrogluteal site can be used in children over age 2. M. Locate the vastus lateralis To locate the vastus lateralis mus- IM (intramuscular) Vastus Lateralis Injection Site Landmark. The sites identified in options 1, 2, and 3 are unsafe for a child of this age. The muscle is located on . 5-inch (25–38 mm) needle to ensure intramuscular administration. [3] However The vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh can also be used. The middle third of the muscle is used for injections - above the lateral condyle and below the greater trochanter. The infant is seated (slightly reclined), with their leg up and slightly bent. Intramuscular injections are provided for patients who need fast acting medications administered to them. Older children and adults: The preferred injection site is the deltoid muscle in the upper arm. Intramuscular injections (IMI) are generally applied in the vaccination of children and in the management of diseases, causing fear and pain for children 1. 1 IM Injection Sites There is no universally accepted optimum site for IM injections in children (Macqueen et al 2012). Administer Jul 2, 2024 · Intramuscular Injection Sites. While holding skin taut, insert needle into skin at a 90 degree angle with a quick darting motion. Aug 12, 2019 · The middle of the vastus lateralis is an appropriate site for intramuscular injections because of the low risk of vascular or nerve damage. The vastus lateralis muscle is the largest part of the quadriceps femoris For example, in 1996 there was a recommendation that nurses select the rectus femoris as the best place to give an I. Where should an intramuscular (IM) injection be given? Nurses learn there are four possible sites: the arm (deltoid); thigh (vastus lateralis); upper outer posterior buttock (gluteus maximus), also referred to as the dorsogluteal site; and the lateral hip (gluteus medius), also called the ventrogluteal site. Aug 16, 2024 · Anatomical markers used to identify the deltoid injection site. com • january/february 2013 • oncology nurse advisor 33 femoris, and vastus lateralis 3,10,11 ( Figure 1 ). Needle gauge: Typically 22-25 gauge. The Subcutaneous injections are administered into the fatty tissue found below the dermis and above muscle tissue. Apr 8, 2024 · IM injections are administered into the muscle through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The injection site is directly between the index and middle finger, within the “V. Intramuscular shots are given at a 90-degree angle. Insert needle at an 80–90° angle into densest portion of deltoid muscle— above the level of armpit and below the acromion. 5 inches: Injection technique: Slow and controlled Oct 1, 2024 · Preferred sites: Deltoid, Vastus Lateralis, Ventrogluteal. Take the needle out quickly, at the angle in which it was injected. Mar 24, 2022 · A smaller gauge needle (22 to 25 gauge) should be used with children. Deltoid: Needle length and gauge ranges: Typically 1-1½ inch, 22-25 G. There are several common injection sites for testosterone administration. To relax this site, the patient lies on the side or back, flexing the knee and hip. The sites that are most commonly utilized for IM injections include the deltoid muscle of the shoulder; the vastus lateralis of the thigh; and the ventrogluteal, gluteus medius, or dorsogluteal muscles of the hip. For the vastus lateralis, the injection should be given in the middle third of the thigh, lateral to the midpoint between the knee and hip. Thigh. 34 Intramuscular Injection at Vastus Lateralis Site Deltoid. The vastus lateralis in the anterolateral thigh may also be used in children ≥12 months of age. To locate the injection site, begin by having the patient relax their arm. Injection site is the middle third and anterior lateral aspect of the thigh (vastus lateralis). There are several common sites for intramuscular injections, including: Deltoid muscle. The vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is preferred for infants, children, and adults. Vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. Feb 9, 2018 · Thigh (vastus lateralis muscle): Divide the upper thigh in thirds. One significant advantage of using the vastus lateralis is its accessibility in both adults and children. 0] Key points , Vastus lateralis is the preferred vaccination site for infants under 12 months. Jul 29, 2021 · Although the physical safety of intramuscular injections at the deltoid and ventrogluteal sites has been studied, the anatomical connection between intramuscular injection sites in the thigh and major blood arteries and nerves is unknown. Thigh muscle, also known as the vastus lateralis (see Figure 4). The pain response in infants may be quantified by monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing changes and has been noted to be similar for infants with injections in the deltoid and vastus lateralis muscle group . The injection site is the center of the triangle . Lateral Middle 1/3 Between greater trochanter and patella. the anterior lateral aspect of the thigh. Jul 7, 2023 · Other sites for intramuscular injections include: Vastus Lateralis. Infants and young children: The preferred injection site is the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. 25-inch (25–32 mm) needle if administering vaccine in the vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh. The maximum amount of medication for a single injection is 3 ml. We aimed to compare intramuscular injection site … injection site in the vastus lateralis and is not in close proxi-mity to any major blood vessels or nerves. Additionally, the rectus femoris (the middle third of the rectus May 19, 2024 · Sites for intramuscular injections include the ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis, and the deltoid site. NT References Ağaç E, Güneş UY (2011) Effect on pain of changing the needle prior to administering medicines intramuscularly: a randomized Insert needle at an 80–90° angle into vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral aspect of middle or upper thigh. b. The deltoid muscle has a triangular shape and is easy to locate and access. The deltoid muscle, the vastus lateralis muscle and the VG site are the most recommended areas in Potential sites for intramuscular injection: Dorsogluteal site www. ” Vastus lateralis: The visual midpoint between the top of the greater trochanter and the lateral femoral condyle (knee). Intramuscular Route (IM): Intramuscular injections are administered into the muscle through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Apr 30, 2023 · Many providers consider the ventrogluteal muscle to be the preferred site for IM injections, due to the large muscle mass and the increased absorption when volumes larger than 2 mL are injected in the area. Jun 12, 2018 · The injection site is halfway down the vastus lateralis, which is the muscle on the outside of the thigh. The vastus lateralis muscle is another injection site used in adults, children, and infants. 7. Vastus lateralis (thigh): This site is great for self-administration and often used for children Vastus Lateralis The anterolateral aspect of the thigh, or vastus lateralis muscle, is the preferred IM site for neonates and infants. Assure that a clean, unused IM needle is attached to syringe for injection. Needle length: 1-1. Give the injection in the middle third, lateral aspect in the vastus lateralis muscle. This module explains how to prepare for and administer intramuscular injections into the various sites (deltoid, vastus lateralis, dorsogluteal, ventrogluteal) using powdered and liquid medication. 28. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the preferred Mar 12, 2025 · ANS: C On the basis of the evidence, the vastus lateralis is the recommended site for pediatric IM injections for infants up to 12 months of age. Important Notes Safety and Monitoring. Identify the injection site. Oct 13, 2024 · For administering intramuscular (IM) injections in adults, the deltoid and vastus lateralis muscles are common sites, each with specific characteristics for needle length, administration technique, and maximum volume. Markers include the greater trochanter, and the lateral femoral condyle – the injections site is about halfway between these two levels. the injection site. -Rapid injection is preferred. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The nurse administering an intramuscular injection to a client divides the thigh into thirds, horizontally and vertically to locate the site. IM site for older toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults Insert needle at 90o angle into densest portion of deltoid muscle above armpit and below acromion. If there is no blood, inject the medicine slowly until the syringe is empty. What is an intramuscular injection? An intramuscular (IM) injection, (illustration on right) delivers medication deep into the muscle tissue. The best locations to administer intramuscular injections are the: Deltoid Muscle; Ventrogluteal Muscle; Vastus Lateralis Muscle; Update: Due to recent Apr 21, 2023 · An intramuscular injection is a technique used to deliver a medication deep into the muscles. Monitor the patient for any effects of the prescribed medicine and any problems with the injection site. elbow IM injection site area deltoid muscle (shaded area) acromion IM site for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years of age) Insert needle at 90o angle into vastus lateralis muscle in The two recommended intramuscular (IM) injection sites for immunizations are the deltoid and vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) muscles. Locating the vastus lateralis injection site requires a systematic approach. To locate the correct anatomical site for injection: ensure the infant’s leg is completely exposed; locate the upper and lower anatomical landmarks- greater trochanter of femur and patella Administer all diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (DTaP, Td, and Tdap) by the intramuscular route. Use the middle third, on the outside or middle of the muscle for the injection. Gluteus Medius. May 31, 2023 · A smaller gauge needle (22 to 25 gauge) should be used with children. 5 ml, *recommended for infants > 7 months of a e Not recommended Intramuscular injections play an essential role in modern medicine by providing effective drug delivery through various muscle sites like the deltoid, vastus lateralis, and gluteus medius muscles. 3. Literature shows inconsistency in the selection of sites for deep muscular injections: selection may be based on familiarity and confidence rather than on “best practice” (Ogston-Tuck, 2014a). docx Prepared by IWK Drug Information and approved by Medication Management October 2021 Guidelines for subcutaneous and intramuscular injection INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS AGE APPROPRIATE INJECTION SITE(S)* NEEDLE LENGTH† & GAUGE (G) § RECOMMENDED Sites for intramuscular injections include the ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis, and the deltoid site. Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Intramuscular Injection at Vastus Lateralis Site Feb 12, 2025 · Here are the most common intramuscular injection sites: Deltoid (upper arm): This muscle is ideal for smaller volumes of medication, such as vaccines. Hip muscle, also known as the ventrogluteal muscle (see Figure 5). The maximum amount of medication for a single injection in an adult is 3 mL. In this video, we cover how to correctly identify the site to give an intramuscular injection to the vastus lateralis. elbow IM injection site area deltoid muscle (shaded area) acromion IM site for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years of age) Insert needle at 90o angle into vastus lateralis muscle in the injection site. To locate the site, have the patient lie flat with their knees slightly bent or move to a sitting position. Deltoid: 1 to 2 inches below the acromion process. Here's a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Positioning. Vastus Lateralis Intramuscular Injec Therefore, in the present study, we compared IM injections in the thigh to those at the deltoid and ventrogluteal sites in young adults, observed blood vessels and nerves traveling close to or in IM injection sites in the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in cadavers, and clarified what site in the thigh is anatomically safe for IM injections. Sep 18, 2013 · Educational video describing intramuscular injection of the vastus lateralis muscle. See Figure. 5 ml, * *recommended for infants < 7 months ofa e Needle length:5/8 inch Volume: 0. 5 inches: Needle gauge: 22-25 gauge: Injection frequency: Dependent on doctor's instructions: Injection depth: 1-1. To l Jan 1, 2001 · The injection site Taking the arguments regarding adequate immune response and safety into account, the recommended injection sites for the in- tramuscular administration of vaccines to new-borns, infants and children under one year are the upper antero-lateral section of the thigh (vastus lateralis M. Needle Gauge Use 22 - 25 gauge needle for all aqueous IM injections, including vaccines. Correct Place to Give Shot in the Right Hip. The vastus lateralis muscle is relatively easy to locate and access making it an ideal site for intramuscular injections. Injection techniques On this page. 3,17,18 The safety of the ventrogluteal region as an area preferred. Steps to Locate the Vastus Lateralis Injection Site. lie flat with the knee slightly flexed or assume a sitting position. Figure 12. 5 inches: Needle length for vastus lateralis injection: 1-1. This is because the muscle is well-developed in this age group and is easy to access. Start by positioning yourself or your patient comfortably. The present results support good practices for site Feb 21, 2013 · The ventrogluteal region (targeting the gluteus medius 1,16) and the vastus lateralis region are free of major nerves and blood vessels. Recommended site: the vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh Use anatomical landmarks to determine the injection site. These injection locations allow for a high degree of safety, reliability and accessibility when a patient is lying supine, prone or in side lying position. There are five sites in the human body where IM injections can be performed. injections in this age group. If self-administering, sitting on a chair with your leg supported is ideal. Anatomical markers used to identify the vastus lateralis injection site on the anterolateral thigh and Figure. Avoid: Dorsogluteal unless no other options are available. See Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\) [6] for an image of an intramuscular injection being administered at the vastus lateralis site. The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the outer part of the thigh, is another common site for IM injections, particularly in infants, toddlers, and children up to 3 years old. The anatomical safety of intramuscular injections at the deltoid and ventrogluteal sites has been investigated; however, the anatomical relationship between intramuscular injection sites in the thigh and major blood vessels and nerves remains unclear. Procedure— Vastus Lateralis site Identify the injection site The middle third of the muscle is your landmark for administering the injection. The vastus lateralis muscle is another injection site used in adults. Locate landmarks for desired location: Vastus Lateralis Deltoid Ventrogluteal Dorsogluteal Clean site with alcohol and allow area to dry. The vastus lateralis site is most commonly used for immunisations in infants up to the age of 7 months. See Figure 18. These are the dorsogluteal (DG), ventrogluteal (VG), deltoid and vastus lateralis sites and the rectus femoris area (Gulnar & Caliskan, 2014). 0 IM Injections 7. OncologyNurseAdvisor. 2,20 However, lim-ited information is currently available on blood vessels or nerves traveling in IM injection sites in the vastus lateralis. The injection site is the middle third of the lateral aspect of the thigh. The width of the mus-cle is usually from the midline of the thigh to the midline of the thigh’s outer side. Injection Site Injection Angle Maximum Volume per Injection Notes Intramuscular Preterm (<37 weeks GA) (up to 2 months PNA and/or very small infants) 5/8 inch (16 mm); 22-25 gauge Vastus lateralis/ anterolateral thigh 90 0. undefined#ref6">6 Selection of the injection site is based on the patient’s age, muscle mass, medication volume, and medication viscosity. IM (intramuscular) Rectus Femoris Injection The vastus lateralis muscle is located on the outer thigh and is another excellent site for IM injections. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes intramuscular injection of the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh. Buttock The dorsogluteal muscle is the large muscle located in your buttocks. The vastus lateralis may be Aspiration before injection and slow injection of the medication are not supported by research for vaccine administration. 1. [2] It is one of the most common medical procedures to be performed annually. It is located two finger widths below the acromion process. Deltoid muscle in the upper arm. The goal of this study was to compare intramuscular injection sites in the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis to those in The maximum amount of medication for a single injection is 3 ml. 2 The vastus lateralis and deltoid muscle are the only two sites recommended for vaccine administration because these sites do not contain large vessels that are within reach of the needle. quadriceps) or the upper arm (M. Feb 18, 2025 · The Vastus Lateralis Site. Traditionally the dorsogluteal (DG) muscle was used for IM injections but this muscle is in close proximity to a major blood vessel and nerves, with sciatic nerve injury a recognised complication (Small, KEYWORDS: Child, Fear, Intramuscular, Injection, Pain, Gluteal region, Vastus lateralis. Exception: For oily or viscous medication (such as Bicillin), use a 21 gauge needle. Vastus lateralis Rationale: Intramuscular injection sites are selected on the basis of the child's age and muscle development of the child. • In infants and toddlers, it is recommended that intramuscular injections be given in the middle one-third of the lateral aspect of the vastus lateralis muscle (anterolateral upper thigh). Preferred site: the deltoid muscle in the upper arm § Scapula Use anatomical landmarks to determine the injection site. This muscle may be used for IM injections in infants and children younger than 3 years because it is the largest muscle mass in this age group. hgch dliykwi qox iguvqi nbbzaw guip xsryyadd zlmx zybl cnqs ykuj sdcy fizehp pnqsb vvsxh