The preferred site for intramuscular injection in infants is:

Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

The anterolateral portion of the vastus lateralis muscle is the recommended site for intramuscular (IM) injections in infants.
This muscle is the largest and most well-developed in infants, making it a safe and effective site for medication absorption.
The location on the thigh is easily accessible and is distant from major nerves (like the sciatic nerve) and blood vessels, minimizing the risk of injury.
The maximum volume for an IM injection at this site in infants is typically 0.5 mL to 1 mL.

Option B: The posterior portion of the vastus lateralis is not the recommended injection site. The correct location is the anterolateral aspect (the outer, middle third of the thigh).
Option C: The dorsogluteal muscle is contraindicated for infants and children under 3 years old. The muscle is underdeveloped, and there is a high risk of injuring the nearby sciatic nerve, which can lead to paralysis.
Option D: While the ventrogluteal site is a safe location away from major nerves and vessels, the muscle mass is generally smaller than the vastus lateralis in infants. It is also more difficult to locate accurately in this age group.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Intramuscular Injection Sites in Pediatrics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper site selection is a critical nursing responsibility to ensure patient safety and medication efficacy, especially in vulnerable populations like infants.
Administering an injection in the wrong site can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage, paralysis, pain, abscess formation, and poor drug absorption.
What if? If an infant requires multiple injections, the nurse must rotate injection sites between different limbs (e.g., left vastus lateralis, then right vastus lateralis) to prevent tissue damage and promote absorption.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: It asks for the 'preferred' IM injection site for 'infants'.
Recall or look up the developmental anatomy of infants. Their muscle development differs significantly from adults.
Evaluate each option based on infant anatomy and safety.
Vastus lateralis: Is it large and safe in infants? Yes, it's the most developed muscle.
Dorsogluteal: Is it safe in infants? No, the muscle is small and the sciatic nerve is at risk.
Ventrogluteal: Is it safe? Yes, but is it preferred over vastus lateralis in infants? No, the muscle is smaller.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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