Which of the following is NOT an intramuscular injection site?

The abdomen is not considered an intramuscular injection site. Intramuscular injections are typically administered in specific muscle groups where there is a sufficient amount of muscle tissue to absorb the medication effectively. The deltoid site, anterolateral thigh, and ventrogluteal site are all established locations for intramuscular injections due to their large muscle mass and ability to accommodate the volume of medication injected.

The deltoid site is commonly used for vaccines and small volumes of medication, while the anterolateral thigh, also known as the vastus lateralis site, is often used for infants and young children. The ventrogluteal site is preferred for larger volumes of medication and is considered safe due to the more significant distance from major blood vessels and nerves.

In contrast, the abdomen is primarily used for subcutaneous injections because it contains adipose tissue rather than muscle. This distinction is critical for proper medication administration, ensuring that injectables are administered in the appropriate anatomical sites to facilitate effective absorption and minimize complications.