Introduction
The best site of injection for children is not administered in their arm area (deltoid area) because it is not fully developed at their younger age. For children above the age of two, the back of the thigh may be the best option for the injection site. This is because the muscle in this area is well-developed and less likely to cause discomfort or pain during injection. It is important to always consult with a healthcare professional before administering any injections to ensure proper technique and safety.
What Is Injection?
Injections are selected for administering several medications, drugs, and vaccines into a person's body through veins, muscles, bones, and skin. The site of injection selection depends on the individual's condition and the effects to be produced. Injections should only be used in sterile form. These injections are injected only for the use of parenteral administration. Parenteral administration is preferred to eliminate first-pass metabolism (reducing the concentration of drugs at the site of infection or disease); it affects the power of medications when absorbed in the GIT (gastrointestinal tract). Injections are directly entered into the bloodstream and affect the whole body. This procedure shows a quicker onset of action compared to other routes of administration, making it ideal for emergencies where immediate relief is needed.
What Are the Types of Injection?
Many types of injections are used to affect the body instantly. Physicians may inject the injection through various parts of the body, depending on the severity of the people. Selection of injection is based on the condition and use of medication.
They are:
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Intravenous.
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Subcutaneous.
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Intramuscular.
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Intradermal.
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Intraosseous.
Intravenous - These injections are used for their safety and low risk of complications. It is administered through the veins for patients who are dehydrated, injured, infected, or in surgery.
Subcutaneous - Subcutaneous injections are administered below the skin for their slower action than the others. Subcutaneous injections are used for insulin, blood thinners, and vaccines.
Intramuscular - Medications are administered through the larger muscles of the body, and its effects are faster and reach systemic circulation quickly.
Intradermal - Drugs are injected in the dermis below the epidermis (parts of the skin). It is used in testing for TB (Tuberculosis) and allergies.
Intraosseous - To provide medical therapy and laboratory tests, a specialized hollow bore needle is introduced into the medullary space through the cortex of a bone.
Which Is the Best Site for Injections in Children?
Injections are given through the thigh muscles at a young age because the deltoid or arm muscles have not fully developed. It also damages the nerves. Deltoid muscles contain more nerves and blood vessels. Injecting into the deltoid muscle might cause difficulties, which are generally avoided in young children. Blood vessels and nerves are absent at the thigh muscles and do not produce any complications, pain, or discomfort during injections. This site is recommended for most people and children.
DPT vaccination protects children from bacterial diseases like diphtheria (breathing problems), tetanus (enters the body into injury), and pertussis (cough); when DPT vaccination is injected through the deltoid or arm causes pain, but when it is injected, less pain is observed. Researchers also found that the production of antibodies is raised when injected into thigh muscles, while fewer antibodies are produced in arm muscles. It is essential to follow correct injection practices for maximum safety and effectiveness of medication administration.
What Are the Complications of Injections in the Thigh and Arm?
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It is possible to cause infections of bacteria, or other infections present in the outer environment during the injection.
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During injection, it can damage the nerves and vascular tissues. Pain, redness, and swelling occur at the injection site (deltoid). It is generally gone after a few days.
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Dysfunction in the shoulder of the arms can be produced when the injection administration is not conducted correctly.
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Physicians' anxiety and fear during the administration of injections to children may lead to complications.
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Intramuscular injections may induce nerve injury, resulting in paralysis (inability to make voluntary movements like walking, standing, and sitting).
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Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and other bloodstream illnesses can be transferred if the needle is contaminated (used in injection), or if several people reuse the needle.
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Intramuscular injections can cause fibrosis or contracture (tightened muscles).
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Bleeding also occurs in patients who have bleeding disorders.
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Sepsis also occurs when an unsterile needle or injection is used. Sepsis is an immune reaction in higher amounts.
To prevent these complications, some techniques are used,
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Distracting the person who receives the injection is the most popular method for minimizing pain during the procedure.
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A small quantity of a pleasant liquid, such as a sugar solution, may divert young children or newborns during an injection.
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Injecting patients safely requires using needles correctly, which involves injecting each patient with a fresh, sterilized needle.
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When giving injections, the aseptic method should always be used.
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This involves cleaning the injection site with an alcohol swab before administering the injection to prevent infection. Disposing of needles properly after each use is important to prevent the spread of diseases.
Conclusion
Injections are widely used in healthcare and at home to prevent, diagnose, and manage disorders. Adults and children consider arm injections easier, but elderly people and children might use the anterolateral thigh for reduced pain and other complications. For thin people, the deltoid muscle in the upper arm may be appropriate.
