Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

ADMINISTRATION OF INTRAMUSCULAR MEDICATION

This procedure describes administration of a prescribed medication into suitable muscle tissue. Safe practice requires medication verification, site and patient assessment, privacy, aseptic technique, correct equipment and needle selection, observation and documentation.

Purpose

  • Deliver a prescribed medication into muscle for systemic or local absorption
  • Achieve a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic effect when the intramuscular route is indicated
  • Minimise pain, injury, infection and medication error

Indications

  • A valid prescription specifies the intramuscular route
  • Medication volume and formulation are suitable for intramuscular tissue
  • The patient has an appropriate muscle site after assessment

Equipment

  • Prescribed medication, treatment chart and original labelled container
  • Appropriate sterile syringe and needle selected for the patient and medication
  • Antiseptic swabs, sterile gauze and adhesive strip if needed
  • Gloves and PPE according to risk assessment
  • Receiver and approved sharps container
  • Hand hygiene supplies and protective bed covering when required

Preparation

  • Check patient, medication, dose, route, time, indication, allergies, expiry and prescription.
  • Assess age, muscle mass, skin condition, bleeding risk, anticoagulant use, mobility and previous injection sites.
  • Explain the procedure, obtain cooperation and consent, provide privacy and position the patient safely.

Procedure steps

  • Perform hand hygiene and identify the patient using approved identifiers.
  • Prepare the medication using aseptic technique, inspect it and remove air from the syringe without contaminating the needle.
  • Select a safe muscle and site according to medication, patient assessment and facility policy; avoid bruised, inflamed or injured tissue.
  • Position the patient to relax the muscle and expose only the required area while maintaining dignity.
  • Clean the skin with approved antiseptic and allow it to dry; do not touch the prepared site.
  • Insert the needle smoothly at 90 degrees using the selected technique and administer at the prescribed rate.
  • Follow local policy regarding aspiration; if blood appears when aspiration is required, stop and manage the equipment safely.
  • Withdraw the needle smoothly, apply gentle pressure with gauze if needed and activate the safety device.
  • Discard the needle and syringe immediately into the sharps container without recapping.
  • Reposition the patient, observe for pain, bleeding, allergy or other reaction, perform hand hygiene and document the care.

Precautions

  • Do not inject into an infected, bruised, scarred, oedematous or damaged site.
  • Use additional assessment and advice for patients with bleeding disorders, anticoagulants, low muscle mass or altered sensation.
  • Never reuse a needle or syringe and never leave a sharp on the tray.
  • Report severe pain, nerve symptoms, persistent bleeding, extensive swelling or anaphylaxis urgently.

Aftercare

  • Inspect the site and reassess the patient during the appropriate observation period.
  • Offer advice about expected mild soreness and when to report worsening symptoms.

Nursing considerations

  • Rotate sites when repeated injections are prescribed and follow the facility's approved site guidance.
  • Use a qualified interpreter or communication aid when needed for consent and safety instructions.

Possible complications

  • Pain, bruising, haematoma or bleeding
  • Infection or abscess
  • Nerve or tissue injury
  • Medication error or allergic reaction

Patient education

  • Explain the purpose of the medication and advise the patient to report increasing pain, redness, swelling, numbness, weakness or fever.
  • Respect the patient's right to ask questions or refuse, and explain what will happen next.

Documentation

  • Record medication, dose, route, date and time, exact site, patient response and authentication.
  • Document refusal, failed attempt, bleeding, suspected injury, adverse response and escalation.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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