A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via intramuscular (IM) injection. Which of the following sites is considered the safest for administering an IM injection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is considered the safest for IM injections due to the presence of fewer major blood vessels and nerves, reducing the risk of injury. The site is easily accessible and has a thick muscle mass suitable for medication absorption. To locate the ventrogluteal site, the nurse can ask the patient to lie on their side with the knee slightly flexed. The nurse should locate the greater trochanter and iliac crest, forming a V-shaped area where the injection is administered. The other choices are not as safe as the ventrogluteal site. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended due to proximity to the sciatic nerve and major blood vessels. The deltoid muscle is a smaller muscle and may not be suitable for all types of medications. The vastus lateralis site is more commonly used for pediatric patients or adults with limited muscle mass in other areas.