Intramuscular (IM) Injections

To provide underpinning knowledge associated with best practice for performing safe and effective intramuscular injections, including a simulated practical experience in a controlled environment to assist the development of competent injecting skills.

To raise awareness of the legal implications of the NMC and organisational policies regarding the giving of injections and promote the safety and well-being of all patients who require intramuscular injections.

DESCRIPTION

By the end of the course, candidates will be able to:

• Discuss legal and professional responsibilities associated with giving intramuscular injections within local and national guidance
• Follow procedures for gaining consent and correct documentation
• Describe relevant anatomy and give a rationale for site selection
• List reasons why medications might be given by parenteral route
• Understand the need to manage health and safety risk
• Outline factors influencing choice of needles and syringes
• Demonstrate the correct procedures for preparing medicines to be administered by intramuscular injection
• Outline appropriate methods of communication and the correct positioning of patients maintaining privacy and dignity
• Demonstrate practical ability in performing intramuscular injections including correct identification of site and procedures for minimising infection

Practitioners will be assessed by –

• Ability to answer questions during course
• Discussion following feedback from activities
• Undertaking a simulated intramuscular injection procedure
• Completing a post course knowledge assessment

Course content

• Legal and professional considerations and responsibilities
• Consent for care and treatment
• Introduction
• Intramuscular (IM) route of administration
• Reasons for the IM route
• Potential complications
• Appropriate IM injection sites –    Vastus Lateralis
• Deltoid
• Ventrogluteal
• Dorsogluteal
• Injection volumes
• Equipment
• Skin cleaning
• Needle selection
• Filter needles
• Syringes
• Administration checks
• Medicine preparation
• Reconstituting
• Patient preparation
• Injection procedure
• Z track technique
• Aspiration
• Pain
• Standard precautions
• Hand cleansing
• Sharps safety
• Needle stick injury
• Principles of Nursing Practice
• Practical workshop and knowledge assessment