What is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in neonates?

What is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in neonates?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Ventrogluteal
• C. Vastus lateralis
• D. Dorsogluteal

Answer: (C)

In neonates, choosing an IM site focuses on safety and having enough muscle for absorption. The vastus lateralis, located on the outer (anterolateral) thigh, is best because this muscle is well developed even in newborns and lies away from major nerves and vessels. This reduces the risk of nerve injury, particularly to the sciatic nerve that can be closer to the gluteal sites, and it avoids the underdeveloped deltoid and dorsogluteal regions. The injection is given in the middle third of the vastus lateralis, typically between the greater trochanter and the lateral femoral condyle. While ventrogluteal can be safe in older children and adults, it’s not as reliable in neonates due to limited muscle development and landmarks, making the vastus lateralis the preferred choice for this age group.

In neonates, choosing an IM site focuses on safety and having enough muscle for absorption. The vastus lateralis, located on the outer (anterolateral) thigh, is best because this muscle is well developed even in newborns and lies away from major nerves and vessels. This reduces the risk of nerve injury, particularly to the sciatic nerve that can be closer to the gluteal sites, and it avoids the underdeveloped deltoid and dorsogluteal regions. The injection is given in the middle third of the vastus lateralis, typically between the greater trochanter and the lateral femoral condyle. While ventrogluteal can be safe in older children and adults, it’s not as reliable in neonates due to limited muscle development and landmarks, making the vastus lateralis the preferred choice for this age group.