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Clinical Skills

Intramuscular injection

A structured guide to administering an intramuscular injection safely.

1. Introduction

Intramuscular injection is used for medicines that require absorption from muscle tissue. Safe administration depends on correct patient identification, medicine checks, site selection and aseptic technique.

2. Preparation

Check the prescription, confirm the patient''s identity and allergies, explain the procedure and gain consent. Perform the usual medicine safety checks and gather the appropriate needle, syringe, drug and sharps bin.

3. Procedure

Select the appropriate site according to local policy and the medicine being administered. Clean the skin if indicated, allow it to dry, insert the needle at the correct angle and deliver the medication steadily. Withdraw the needle safely and apply gentle pressure if needed.

4. Aftercare

Dispose of the sharps immediately, observe for immediate adverse reaction, document the administration and ensure the patient is comfortable.

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare