Injections (intramuscular)Your child needs to take a medicine by intramuscular (into the muscle) injection. This is often called an "IM" injection. Show
How should I prepare my child?First get everything ready. Explain briefly what you are about to do. Be truthful about discomfort but be positive about the benefits of the medicine. Once you have explained, proceed quickly. Delay can increase anxiety. If you think the child will not be able to hold still, have someone hold him or her. Distraction, such as squeezing someone's hand, humming, counting, or blowing bubbles may be helpful. Keep the child involved in talking or singing. Relaxation techniques may also be helpful. Comfort your child afterward. Reassure that the medicine is not a punishment. Give lots of praise. As your child gets older, he or she may show interest in doing part or all of the procedure. Encourage independence but do not push it before the child is ready. How do I prepare the medicine?Be sure to follow the checked directions.
Giving the injection
Other instructions________________________________________________________________________________________________What should I do with the sharps container?When the container is full, seal it and label it "Household sharps." Disposal varies depending on the area you live in. Some communities have a household sharps collection program. To find out what you should do, check with your garbage collection company, pharmacy, or clinic. What else do I need to know?If injections are given often, it is important to rotate injection sites to allow the tissue to heal and prevent scar tissue build-up. Scar tissue can affect how the medicine is absorbed. As your child grows, you may need to change the sites used. As the doctor or nurse about this. Most medicines have side effects. Learn the side effects of your child's medicine and what to do if they occur. You and your child should know the names and doses of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's health care. Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescriptions, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left, the pharmacist will need 2 or 3 days to contact the doctor to renew the prescription. Before giving the first dose, read the label. Be sure it is what was prescribed. After a refill, if the medicine looks different to you, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it. Keep all medicines out of children's reach, locked up if possible. If the medicine is outdated, throw it away. If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call Poison Control (toll-free 1-800-222-1222). If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911. When should I call the doctor?
Questions?This is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions, call the clinic or pharmacy. Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Back To Top What is the best site for IM injection in infants and children?The anterolateral aspect of the thigh, or vastus lateralis muscle, is the preferred IM site for neonates and infants.
What is the correct site of intramuscular injection to an infant?the anterior lateral aspect of the thigh. The middle third of the muscle is used for injections–above the lateral condyle and below the greater trochanter.
Which intramuscular injection site is preferred for infants and children up to 3?The most appropriate sites for IM injections are the vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) for infants and toddlers and the deltoid muscle for pediatric patients 3 years and older. Selection of the injection site is based on the patient's age, muscle mass, medication volume, and medication viscosity.
What is an appropriate site for intramuscular injections in preschool aged children?Giving the injection
The most common site in infants and young children is the middle of the outer thigh.
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