Case #1
- Site of Injection
- Thigh. Common site used for immunization in infants and toddlers due to the thickness and development of the muscle.
- Muscle Targeted
- Muscle: Vastus lateralis
- Origin: Greater trochanter and linea aspera of femur.
- Insertion: Patella via quadriceps tendon. Then, tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament.
- Action: Extend leg at knee joint.
- Locating the area
- To locate the targeted muscle for injection, divide the thigh into three equal parts. The outer top middle part of the divided thigh is where the injection site is.
Case #2
- Site of Injection
- Shoulder. The most common site used for vaccines
- Muscle Targeted
- Muscle: Deltoid
- Origin: Acromial extremity of clavicle, acromion of scapula, and spine scapula.
- Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of humerus.
- Action: (Lateral fibers) Abduct arm at shoulder joint, (Anterior fibers) flex and medially rotate arm at shoulder joint, (Posterior fibers) extend and laterally rotate arm at shoulder joint.
- Locating the area
- To locate the targeted muscle for injection, one must first feel for the acromion process (bone located at the top of upper arm). When the bone has been located, place two finger widths below the acromion process. Below the fingers is an (imaginary) upside down triangle. At the triangle's center, inject the vaccine.
References:
- Pomietlo, M. (n.d.). 18.6 Administering Intramuscular Medications – Nursing Skills – 2e. WI Technical Colleges Open Press. Retrieved September 8, 2023, from https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nursingskills/chapter/18-6-administering-intramuscular-medications/
- Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). "Chapter 11: The Muscular System". Principles of Anatomy & Physiology (15th ed., pp. 341 - 342). [Print]. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
- Varma, A., & Chastain, M. (2023, April 21). Intramuscular Injection: Definition and Patient Education. Healthline. Retrieved September 8, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/intramuscular-injection#injection-sites