SL PNCM 1079 Administering An Intramuscular Injection
SL PNCM 1079 Administering An Intramuscular Injection
Instruction: Please put a check ( ✓) mark on the appropriate column using the scale:
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PROCEDURE Done Comments
Done
PREPARATION
1. Assess:
• Client allergies to medications.
• Specific drug action, side effects, and adverse
reactions.
• Client’s knowledge of and learning needs about
the medication.
• Tissue integrity of the selected site
• Client’s age and weight, to determine site and
needle size
• Client’s ability or willingness to cooperate.
2. Determine:
• Whether the size of the muscle is appropriate to
the amount of medication to be injected.
3. Assemble equipment and supplies:
• Sterile medication (usually provided in an ampule
or vial)
• Syringe and needle of a size appropriate for the
amount of solution to be administered
• Antiseptic swabs
• Clean gloves
4. Check Doctor’s Order
a. Check the label on the medication carefully
against the Doctor’s order to make sure that the
correct medication is being prepared.
b. Follow the “three checks” for administering the
medication and dose. Read the label on the
medication:
• When it is taken from the medication tray;
• Before withdrawing the medication; and;
• After withdrawing the medication
5. Organize the equipment.
PROCEDURE
1. Perform hand hygiene and observe other
appropriate infection control procedures.
2. Prepare the medication from the ampule or vial
for drug withdrawal.
• Whenever feasible, change the needle on the
syringe before the injection.
• Invert the syringe needle uppermost and expel all
excess air.
3. Provide for client privacy.
4. Prepare the client.
a. Check the client’s identification band.
b. Assist the client to supine, lateral, prone, or
sitting position, depending on the chosen site.
c. Obtain assistance in holding an uncooperative
client.
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PROCEDURE Done Comments
Done
5. Explain the purpose of the medication and how
it will help, using language relevant information
about effects of the medication.
6. Select, locate, and clean the site.
a. Select a site free of skin lesions, tenderness,
swelling, hardness, or localized inflammation, and
one that has not been used frequently.
b. If injections are to be frequent, alternate sites.
Avoid using the same site twice in a row.
c. The exact site for the injection.
d. Put on clean gloves.
e. Clean the site with antiseptic swab. Using a
circular motion, start at the center and move
outward about 5cm (2 inches).
f. Transfer and hold the swab between the third
and fourth fingers of your nondominant hand in
readiness for needle withdrawal or position the
swab on the client’s skin to dry prior to injecting
medication.
7. Prepare the syringe for injection.
a. Remove the needle cover and discard without
contaminating the needle.
b. If using a prefilled unit-dose medication, take
caution to avoid dripping medication on the
needle prior to injection. I f this does occur,
wipe the medication off the needle with sterile
gauze.
8. Inject the medication using a Z- tract technique.
a. Use the ulnar side of the nondominant hand to
pull the skin approximately 2.5 (inch) to the side.
b. Holding the syringe between the thumb and
forefinger, pierce the skin quickly and smoothly
at a 90- degree angle, and insert the needle into
the muscle.
c. Hold the barrel of the syringe steady with your
nondominant hand, and aspirate by pulling back
on the plunger with your dominant hand.
Aspirate for 5- 10 seconds. If blood appears in
the syringe, withdraw the needle, discard the
syringe, and prepare a new injection.
d. If blood does not appear, inject the medication
steadily and slowly (approximately 10 seconds per
milliliter) while holding the syringe steady.
e. After injection, wait for 10 seconds.
9. Withdraw the needle.
a. Withdraw the needle smoothly at the same angle
of insertion. Release the skin.
b. Apply gentle pressure at the site with a dry
sponge.
c. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure with a dry,
sterile gaze until it stops
10. Activate the needle device or discard the
uncapped needle and attached syringe into the
proper receptacle. Remove gloves. Perform hand
hygiene.
11. Document all relevant information.
• Include the time of administration, drug name,
dose, route, and the client’s reactions.
12. Assess effectiveness of the medication at the time
it is expected to act.
Not
PROCEDURE Done Comments
Done
TOTAL SCORE
Remarks:
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Printed Name & Signature of Clinical Instructor
Reference: Berman, A., Snyder, S., & Frandsen, G. (2016). Kozier and Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing.
Prentice Hall.