Administering An Intramuscular Injection
Administering An Intramuscular Injection
Administering An Intramuscular Injection
COLLEGE OF NURSING
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST
PREPARATION
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.
Determine:
Whether the size of the muscle is appropriate to the amount of medication to be
injected
Assemble equipment and supplies:
• MAR or computer printout
• 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
Check the MAR.
Check the label on the medication carefully against the MAR to make sure that
the correct medication is being prepared.
Follow the “three checks” for administering the medication and dose. Read the
label on the medication:
• When it is taken from the medication cart
• Before withdrawing the medication and after withdrawing the medication.
Confirm that the dose is correct.
Organize the equipment.
PROCEDURE 1 2 3 4 5
18 Use the ulnar side of the non dominant hand to pull the
skin approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) to the side.
19 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.
20 Hold the barrel of the syringe steady with your non
dominant 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.
21 If blood does not appear, inject the medication steadily
and slowly (approximately 10 seconds per milliliter) while
holding the syringe steady.
22 After injection, wait 10 seconds.
23 Withdraw the needle smoothly at the same angle of
insertion. Release the skin.
24 Apply gentle pressure at the site with a dry swab.
27 If bleeding occurs, apply pressure with a dry, sterile gauze
until it stops.
28 Activate the needle device or discard the uncapped
needle and attached syringe into the proper receptacle.
29 Remove gloves. Perform hand hygiene.
Document all relevant information. Include the time of
30 administration, drug name, dose, route, and the client’s
reactions.
31 Assess effectiveness of the medication at the time it is
expected to act.
TOTAL
________________________
Clinical Instructor
(Sign over printed name)