Answer
27a. Three muscles used as sites of intramuscular (im)
injection:
1. Gluteus maximus
2. Gluters medius
3. Vastus lateralis
Work Step by Step
27a,
1. Gluteus maximus is a very large muscle with large fibers. It is an obviously important site for injections in adults. The one drawback is that it overlies the sciatic nerve; therefore, injections
must be given with care.
2. Gluteus medius
This is a good ventral site for im injections. It is considered safer because because there is less danger of injecting into the sciatic nerve. Such an
accident would not only damage the nerve, but cause the patient undescribable pain.
3. Vastus lateralis:
This is the muscle of the Vastus group of three that has the largest head. It is located along the side of
the thigh. It is the preferred site for intramusculat (im) injections in infants who have not yer developed large enough gluteal muscles for safe intramuscular injections in an area (buttocks) so close to the sciatic nerve.
