Nurses’ use of appropriate needle sizes when administering intramuscular injections

White, Sheila, Goodwin, John and Behan, Laura (2018) Nurses’ use of appropriate needle sizes when administering intramuscular injections. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 49 (11), 519-525. (doi:10.3928/00220124-20181017-09).

Abstract

Background: In cases where patients are overweight or obese, administration of intramuscular medications can be ineffective due to inappropriate sizes of needles used. This study investigated whether the size of needles used to administer intramuscular injections is appropriate for patients on the basis of their weight or body mass index. Method: This retrospective review examined 100 instances of intramuscular injection on a 50-bed ward. Results: In most instances, intramuscular medication was inappropriately administered. Needle sizes were not determined based on body mass index, and the possibility of true intramuscular penetration was minimal. Appropriate needle sizes were more likely to be chosen when instructions were provided with medications. Conclusion: Current available needle sizes may be inappropriate for certain patients. Nursing staff require further education to assist them in making correct needle choices. It is also important that health care settings have evidence-based policies in place and the necessary resources provided to ensure safe and correct administration of medication.

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