What should be done if a bone is hit during an intramuscular injection?

When administering an intramuscular injection, if the needle touches a bone, it is important to ensure the injection is done safely and effectively. Pulling the needle out about ¼ inch and continuing with the injection is appropriate because this technique allows the medication to be delivered into the muscle tissue surrounding the bone rather than directly against it, which can be painful and ineffective.

Leaving the needle inserted can lead to complications, such as damaging the bone or causing discomfort to the patient. Removing the needle completely would require starting the injection process over, which can be inefficient and may cause unnecessary pain. Additionally, increasing the injection speed is not advisable as this could cause increased discomfort for the patient and could lead to complications like tissue damage or improper absorption of the medication.

By slightly adjusting the position of the needle after encountering bone, the healthcare provider maintains a safe and effective approach to intramuscular injections, promoting patient comfort and ensuring proper medication delivery.