The administration of intramuscular injections is a common nursing intervention in clinical
practice.
1 This article aims to, raise awareness in relation to the injection sites used for
intramuscular injection and, to highlight best practice in relation to IM injection administration.
The importance of good injection technique cannot be understated. It should not be forgotten that
among potential complications of IM injection are abscess, cellulites, tissue necrosis, granuloma,
muscle fibrosis, contractures, haematoma and injury to blood vessels, bones and peripheral nerves.
2
Although IM injection is a commonplace nursing practice, there is a dearth of guidelines for nursing
staff in this area.
3,4
It has been outlined that there are no working policies or procedures on
administering injections to which nursing staff can refer.
3 Furthermore, the technique and
preparation by certain staff may not be substantiated by evidence