Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

The deltoid muscle is a commonly accepted site for intramuscular (IM) injections due to its accessibility and muscle mass. This muscle is located in the upper arm and is well-developed, making it suitable for absorbing medications administered via injection. IM injections in the deltoid can provide a rapid onset of action for medications because of the rich blood supply in this area, facilitating effective absorption.

While other sites may be thought of for different types of injections, they are not considered appropriate for intramuscular administration. The subcutaneous layer of the abdomen is typically used for subcutaneous injections, which involve depositing medication into the fatty tissue rather than directly into muscle. The skin of the thigh can refer to either intradermal or subcutaneous injections rather than IM, and the fatty tissue of the upper arm, while it could receive subcutaneous injections, isn’t suitable for intramuscular delivery due to the lack of sufficient muscle there. Thus, the deltoid muscle stands out as the correct choice for IM injections in this scenario.