Administering an IM (intramuscular) Injection

Instructions on how to safely and effectively administer an IM injection to a patient.

To perform this procedure, you will need:

1. Prescribed medication vial
2. A needle and a syringe (22-25 gauge)
3. Gloves
4. Alcohol wipe
5. 2 x 2 gauze pads
6. Bandage
7. Sharps container

Call the patient into the injection room, have them take a seat, and then verify the patient's name and date of birth.

Gather your supplies. Wash hands with soap and water and put gloves on.

Verify the prescribed dose of the medication and withdraw the correct amount of medication from the vial and into the syringe.

Carefully find the area where you will give the injection. Make sure there is no bleeding, bruising, or swelling in the area that you select. Areas the injection may be given are the upper arm or buttocks.

Clean the skin of the injection site area with an alcohol pad. Let it dry.

Carefully take the cap off the needle. Hold the muscle around the injection site with your thumb and index finger.

With a quick firm thrust, insert the needle bevel up into the muscle at a 90 degree angle. Push the medication into the muscle.

Pull the needle straight out the skin and use the safety feature to cap the needle. Press the area of the injection site with a sterile 2 x 2 gauze pad to stop bleeding. Apply a sterile 2 x 2 gauze pad and a bandage to the patient's arm or buttocks.

Discard the needle in a sharps container and sanitize the work area.