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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Intramuscular Injections Along the Motor End Plates: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Shuttle Tracers Directly into Motor Neurons
Published on: July 13, 2015
[Study about the regions for intramuscular injections]
Brigitta Elza Pfeiffer Castellanos1
1Professor-Assistente da disciplina Enfermagem em Centro Cirúrgico da EEUSP.
Nurses frequently choose deltoid, dorsogluteal, and lateral thigh sites for intramuscular injections, often overlooking anatomical accuracy and contraindications. The ventrogluteal region, recommended by experts, was rarely selected by nursing professionals.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Procedures
- Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Context:
- Intramuscular injections are a common nursing procedure requiring careful site selection.
- Understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and anatomical considerations of injection sites is crucial for safe administration.
- Current practices among nursing educators and hospital nurses regarding site selection need evaluation.
Purpose:
- To identify the most frequently used intramuscular injection sites by nursing teachers and hospital nurses.
- To assess whether patient demographics (age, sex) influence site selection.
- To evaluate nurses' knowledge of contraindications and complications associated with different injection sites.
Summary:
- Data collection revealed that deltoid, dorsogluteal, and lateral thigh regions were preferred for intramuscular injections by both nursing groups.
- Site selection was influenced by patient age in 80% of cases, but anatomical accuracy was not consistently maintained.
- Knowledge of contraindications and complications was limited, and the recommended ventrogluteal site was underutilized.
Impact:
- Findings highlight potential gaps in nursing education and practice regarding safe and effective intramuscular injection techniques.
- Results suggest a need for updated guidelines and training to promote the use of anatomically appropriate and safer injection sites.
- Improved site selection practices can enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of injection-related complications.
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