Edith Cowan University

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Professional Nursing Practice

IMI overview
Edith Cowan University
School of Nursing and Midwifery

INTRAMUSCULAR (IM) INJECTION OF MEDICATION

OUCH!
Edith Cowan University
School of Nursing and Midwifery

MEDICATION CHECKS + DRUG CALCULATION

CHECKS MED CALC
DDDTPR + MAX
1.Right DRUG (including) Stock required X Volume
Stock strength 1
Mims
Allergies
“What I want divided by what I’ve got
eXpiry dates times how much I’ve got”
2.Right DOSE
3.Right DOCUMENTATION Med chart order = 10mg
4.Right TIME (including date) Stock held = 25mg/5ml
5.Right PATIENT
6.Right ROUTE 10 X 5 = 50 = 2ml
25 1 25
Edith Cowan University
School of Nursing and Midwifery

Ventrogluteal injection site

1. Place the heel of the opposing
hand (left hand right hip & vice
versa) on the greater trochanter
(ball of the hip bone) & feel for
the anterior superior iliac spine
with index finger
2. Index finger placed on the
anterior superior iliac spine
3. Middle finger stretched
dorsally/fanned towards but
below the iliac crest
4. Injection site is within the ‘V’
formed by the index finger,
middle finger & crest of the ileum
Edith Cowan University
School of Nursing and Midwifery

INJECTION SITES MAXIMISE SAFETY MINIMISE DISCOMFORT

• .
Edith Cowan University
School of Nursing and Midwifery

Tutor Demonstration
Edith Cowan University
School of Nursing and Midwifery

PRACTICE HINTS
INDICATION – State the rationale for the medication being given by
the IM route – quick uptake of medication, other sites not appropriate.
Choosing ventrogluteal site because easily accessible, free of major
nerves & blood vessels & minimal layer of adipose tissue . iSoBAR
handover to RN of patient.

HAND HYGIENE & PPE – use ABH gel at appropriate times during the
procedure. Wear a glove on the non-dominant hand when
giving the injection (protect self from any blood or fluid
leaks post injection)

THERAPEUTIC INTERACTION – introduce self to patient & check ID

band. Explain procedure (& continue to explain) and obtain informed
consent.