Which statement about intramuscular injections in newborns is true?

Which statement about intramuscular injections in newborns is true?

• A. Deltoid is the preferred site for newborn IM injections
• B. Gluteal muscles are routinely used in the first year
• C. Vastus lateralis is safe and away from major nerves
• D. Rectus femoris is preferred due to proximity to major vessels

Answer: (C)

Infants need an IM injection site that has enough muscle mass and is safely away from major nerves and vessels. The vastus lateralis, the outer portion of the thigh, fits this need well in newborns because this muscle is large enough to accommodate a small injection and lies away from the major nerves that course near the hip and buttock areas. Choosing this site helps minimize the risk of injuring nerves such as the sciatic or femoral nerves and avoids nearby blood vessels. The deltoid is too small in newborns to safely receive injections, and the gluteal region is avoided in the first year due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve and less reliable muscle development in infants. The rectus femoris is not preferred because it is closer to the femoral vessels and nerves, increasing the chance of hitting a vessel or nerve. So, the statement that the vastus lateralis is safe and away from major nerves is the best choice.

Infants need an IM injection site that has enough muscle mass and is safely away from major nerves and vessels. The vastus lateralis, the outer portion of the thigh, fits this need well in newborns because this muscle is large enough to accommodate a small injection and lies away from the major nerves that course near the hip and buttock areas. Choosing this site helps minimize the risk of injuring nerves such as the sciatic or femoral nerves and avoids nearby blood vessels. The deltoid is too small in newborns to safely receive injections, and the gluteal region is avoided in the first year due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve and less reliable muscle development in infants. The rectus femoris is not preferred because it is closer to the femoral vessels and nerves, increasing the chance of hitting a vessel or nerve. So, the statement that the vastus lateralis is safe and away from major nerves is the best choice.