NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to administer an influenza vaccine to an adult patient. The order specifies an intramuscular (IM) injection. Which of the following sites is the most appropriate for this administration?
- ADeltoid muscle
- BRectus femoris muscle
- CVastus lateralis muscle
- DDorsogluteal muscle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Deltoid muscle
For adult IM injections, especially vaccines like influenza, the deltoid muscle is the preferred site due to its accessibility and low risk of injury to major nerves or blood vessels. The vastus lateralis is common for infants and toddlers, and the dorsogluteal site carries a risk of sciatic nerve injury.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Rectus femoris is not a standard IM injection site and carries risks related to nerves and blood vessels.
- C. Vastus lateralis is primarily used for infants and toddlers, or when other sites are contraindicated.
- D. The dorsogluteal site has a high risk of sciatic nerve injury and is generally not recommended for IM injections unless other sites are unavailable.
Adult IM Injection Site
For intramuscular (IM) injections in adults, the deltoid muscle is the preferred site for most vaccines and medications with volumes up to 1 mL due to its accessibility and safety profile.
- Deltoid is common for adult vaccines.
- Vastus lateralis for infants/toddlers.
- Dorsogluteal has sciatic nerve risk.
Memory trick: Deltoid: The adult's daily dose spot.