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It is immunization day at the health center. The first patient is a 2-month old well female infant who is scheduled for the following vaccinations: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), pentavalent vaccine (Penta) and oral polio vaccine. PCV and Penta are given via intramuscular route. Where are the sites of injection? What muscle is targeted in the injection? Write down its origin, insertion and action. How do you locate this area?
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Sites of injection: middle third of the outer thigh
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Muscle targeted: Vastus Lateralis
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Origin: Greater trochanter and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur.
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Insertion: Patella via the quadriceps tendon and tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament.
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Action: Extends the leg at the knee joint.
Locating the area:
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Locate the greater trochanter of the femur then the upper lateral quadrant of the thigh. Palpate this area and mentally divide it into three equal sections. The middle section is typically the ideal site for the injection
The baby’s 65-year-old grandfather also came to the center because influenza vaccine is being offered to senior citizens. The flu vaccine is given intramuscularly. Which muscle is the preferred site for IM injection in this case? Write down its origin, insertion and action. How do you locate this area?
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Sites of injection: Outer, upper portion of the arm
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Muscle targeted: Deltoid
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Origin: Lateral third of the clavicle, acromion, and spine of the scapula.
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Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of the humerus.
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Action: Abducts the arm, flexes and medially rotates the arm, and extends and laterally rotates the arm.
Locating the area:
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Locate the acromion process (the bony prominence on the shoulder). Measure about 2-3 finger widths (approximately 2 inches) below the acromion process. The injection site is in the middle of the deltoid muscle, forming an inverted triangle with the base at the acromion process and the apex pointing down the arm.