Welcome To What Happens If An Im Injection Missed The Muscle? our extensive information on the consequences of muscle deficiency during intramuscular (IM) administration. Exploring the potential effects and risks associated with this common medical procedure went wrong.
What Happens If An Im Injection Missed The Muscle?
If an intramuscular (IM) injection is administered incorrectly and does not reach the muscle, the intended medication will not be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, it may get absorbed into the nearby tissue, leading to potential issues such as pain, swelling, or infection.
In certain situations, it might be necessary to repeat the injection if the medication does not absorb correctly. If you have any concerns about the injection site or if you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
What happens if intramuscular injection is not given properly?
With the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial for both new and experienced vaccinators to understand the precise location for intramuscular (IM) injections in the arm. Each month, tens of thousands of new vaccinators are joining the effort, and millions of vaccine doses are being administered.
For individuals aged 3 years and older, a correctly placed IM injection should be given in the upper arm’s deltoid muscle, precisely into its middle and thickest part, at a 90-degree angle to the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides helpful instructional handouts for vaccinating children aged 7 through 18 and adults, illustrating the anatomical landmarks for proper deltoid muscle injection.
The CDC emphasizes the same information for COVID-19 vaccinators on webpages dedicated to the administration of the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. These vaccines are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
One of the most common errors in IM injections is placing the needle either too high on the shoulder or too low on the arm. When injections are given too high (into the shoulder joint) or too low (into tendons and soft tissue), it can lead to severe shoulder or arm pain that may persist for several months. However, this shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) can be prevented by carefully adhering to the anatomical landmarks for correct placement in the deltoid muscle.
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) offers free print materials on its website that educate vaccinators on proper vaccine administration techniques. Since the commencement of COVID-19 vaccinations in December 2020, the downloads of these IAC materials have significantly increased. The most popular materials related to this topic are:
- How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections
- How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections to Adults
- Skills Checklist for Vaccine Administration
These resources serve as valuable guides to ensure safe and accurate vaccine administration and contribute to the success of vaccination efforts against COVID-19.
What is the complication of wrong intramuscular injection?
Administering intramuscular injections is a convenient method for delivering medication promptly, but it can pose risks if performed incorrectly. An improper injection may result in pain, bruising, swelling, and potentially lead to an infection. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the dangers associated with an incorrect intramuscular injection.
What happens if I hit a blood vessel giving an intramuscular shot?
If you observe blood in the syringe, it indicates that you have punctured a blood vessel. In such a situation, carefully remove the needle from the skin without injecting the medicine. Dispose of the used needle and syringe properly, preferably in a designated container for sharps. Afterward, prepare a new syringe with the correct dosage of medicine.
What happens if injection hit bone?
The choice of needle length for vaccine administration should be based on the patient’s body habitus and weight. Using a needle that is too long may lead to penetration of the deltoid muscle and hit the bone. While patients might not feel the bone being hit, the vaccine may not be fully absorbed into the muscle, resulting in a reduced immune response. On the other hand, if the needle is too short, the vaccine might be administered subcutaneously, leading to a decreased immune response and the potential development of nodules or cellulitis.
It is essential to administer vaccines at the proper injection site for optimal efficacy. Specifically, patients weighing less than 60 kg (130 lb) should receive a 16-mm (5/8-inch) needle, while patients weighing 60 to 70 kg (130 to 152 lb) should receive a 25-mm (1-inch) needle. For women weighing 70 to 90 kg (152 to 200 lb) or men weighing 70 to 118 kg (152 to 260 lb), either a 25-mm (1-inch) or 38-mm (1.5-inch) needle is appropriate. Women weighing more than 90 kg (200 lb) and men weighing more than 118 kg (260 lb) should receive injections with a 38-mm (1.5-inch) needle.
Healthcare professionals responsible for administering injections should include individualized needle length selection as part of their routine practice to ensure the best outcomes for their patients. By tailoring the needle length based on each patient’s characteristics, we can enhance vaccine absorption and overall immune response.
Conclusion:
To avoid these issues, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to receive proper training in administering IM injections accurately. Additionally, patients can play an active role in ensuring proper injection technique by communicating any concerns or discomfort they experience during the procedure. If there are any doubts or issues regarding the injection technique, patients should promptly consult their healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate measures.
