The nurse is preparing to administer a dose of promethazine IM. When pulled up in the syringe, the needle contains 2.5 mL of medication.
The nurse is aware that the medication can be given in which sites. (SELECT 3 CORRECT OPTIONS)

Choice A rationale

The dorsogluteal site is generally not recommended for intramuscular injections of 2.5 mL, especially in children or patients with less developed muscle mass, due to the significant risk of sciatic nerve injury and variable muscle depth. Ventrogluteal is preferred for larger volumes.

Choice B rationale

The abdomen is primarily used for subcutaneous injections, not intramuscular injections due to its composition primarily of adipose tissue and lack of substantial muscle mass. Injecting 2.5 mL intramuscularly into the abdomen would be painful, ineffective, and potentially harmful.

Choice C rationale

The ventrogluteal site is a safe and preferred intramuscular injection site, capable of accommodating volumes up to 2.5 mL due to its thick gluteus medius and minimus muscles, far from major nerves and blood vessels, reducing the risk of complications.

Choice D rationale

The vastus lateralis muscle is a large, well-developed muscle, making it a suitable site for intramuscular injections of 2.5 mL, particularly in adults and children. Its accessibility and distance from major nerves make it a safe option for medication administration.

Choice E rationale

The deltoid muscle can accommodate intramuscular injections of up to 2 mL in adults, making it an acceptable site for 2.5 mL if the muscle mass is adequately developed. However, care must be taken to avoid the radial nerve and ensure proper needle length.