A medication must be given by intramuscular injection to a 6-month-old infant. Which site is generally safest for this route?
Correct answer: A. Vastus lateralis muscle of the anterolateral thigh
- A. Vastus lateralis muscle of the anterolateral thigh
- B. Dorsogluteal muscle near the upper buttock
- C. Deltoid muscle near the shoulder
- D. Abdominal tissue below the umbilicus
Explanation
The vastus lateralis is well developed in infants and is away from major nerves and blood vessels. The dorsogluteal site is avoided in infants because muscle development is inadequate and the sciatic nerve may be injured.
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About Routes and Safe Medication Administration
Safe medication administration covers oral, sublingual, buccal, topical, inhaled, enteral, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes, including their absorption patterns and technique. It also includes medication rights, patient identification, documentation, allergy checks, injection site selection and prevention of errors, with route selection distinguished from dosage calculation.
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