While preparing to give an IM injection to an adult, the nurse identifies which muscle as the first choice for administration?

Explanation

•The ideal IM injection site in adults is ventrogluteal, because this is the only IM injection site that has not been associated with any adverse effects.

•The preferred IM injection sites for adults are ventrogluteal and deltoid.  The vastus lateralis site may also be used.

•Up to 4 ml may be given to an adult in the ventrogluteal site, using a 1 1/2 inch needle at 23-25 gauge and at 90 degrees.

•Up to 1 ml may be given to an adult in the deltoid using a 5/8 to 1 inch needle at 23-25 gauge and at 90 degrees.

•For infants under 7 months of age, the vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections.

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