The site for intramuscular injection in children should be selected

In the process of growing up, babies will inevitably get sick, but some diseases can be treated with simple medicine, but some diseases usually require injections. There are many diseases that need injections in daily life. However, injections are usually divided into intramuscular injections and hanging bottles. If you give a child an intramuscular injection, where is the best place to choose?

Where is the best site for intramuscular injection in children?

The most commonly used injection site for intramuscular injection is the gluteus maximus, followed by the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, vastus lateralis and deltoid muscles. Precise positioning of the injection site is very important for intramuscular injection.

Gluteus maximus injection location

【1】Cross method:

Draw a horizontal line from the apex of the gluteal cleft to the left or right, and make a vertical bisector from the highest point of the iliac crest downward to divide the buttocks into four quadrants, among which the upper outer quadrant avoiding the inner corner is the injection area.

【2】Connection method:

The injection site is the outer third of the line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the coccyx.

Gluteus medius and gluteus minimus injection location

There are fewer blood vessels and nerves in this area, and the fat tissue is thinner. It is now increasingly used. There are two positioning methods:

a Place the tips of the index finger and middle finger on the anterior superior iliac spine and the lower edge of the iliac crest respectively, forming a triangular area between the iliac crest, index finger, and middle finger. The injection site is within the angle formed by the index and middle fingers.

b Three finger widths lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine. The width of the patient's finger should be used as the standard.

Vastus lateralis injection location

The location is the outer side of the middle thigh: For adults, the area from 10 cm below the hip joint to 10 cm above the knee can be taken. There are few large blood vessels and nerve trunks passing through this area, and the area is wide, which can be used for multiple injections.

Injection location of deltoid muscle of upper arm

On the outer side of the upper arm, 2 to 3 finger widths below the acromion. The muscles here are thinner than those in the buttocks, so only small doses can be injected.

Precautions for pediatric intramuscular injection care

Intramuscular injection is a commonly used method of medication for children. It is usually used when the drug is not suitable for oral administration, the sick child cannot take the drug orally, or when the condition requires a quick drug effect. Generally speaking, although intramuscular injections are performed by nurses, parents should also assist in the nursing work.

1. For sensible children, the necessity of the injection should be explained so that they can bravely accept it. In particular, they should be given sympathy and comfort to eliminate their tension and fear and reduce adverse reactions.

2. Assist the nurse to complete the three checks and seven comparisons before injection, and ensure accuracy.

3. If an allergy test is required before use of the drug, parents should closely observe their children for any abnormalities or discomfort. If you experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, paleness, cyanosis or irritability, report to medical staff in time and take appropriate measures immediately.

4. During the intramuscular injection, infants and young children must be secured and not allowed to struggle or move to avoid breaking the needle.

5. Do not leave immediately after the injection. Stay in the hospital for observation for about 15 minutes.

6. After intramuscular injection, the child should rest for a while and avoid strenuous running. After intramuscular injection, if the child complains of pain at the injection site and difficulty walking, close observation is required. If necessary, go to the hospital to see a doctor.

7. For local lumps caused by drugs after intramuscular injection, hot compresses or moxa sticks can be used to promote their absorption.