Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) Practice Exam

In the ventrogluteal approach for an intramuscular injection, the targeted muscle is the gluteus medius. This site is preferred for intramuscular injections due to several factors, including its distance from major nerves and blood vessels, which reduces the risk of injury during the injection. The gluteus medius is located on the lateral aspect of the hip, providing a larger muscle mass that can accommodate a significant volume of medication while also being well-vascularized to allow for proper absorption.

Using the gluteus medius also enhances the safety and efficacy of the injection process. This site can handle larger gauge needles compared to other sites and is accessible in patients of various body types. As a result, the ventrogluteal site is often recommended, especially for adults and older children, when administering medications that require deeper penetration or larger volumes.

In contrast, the gluteus maximus, while a secondary muscle in the area, is less preferred due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve. The vastus lateralis is commonly used for pediatric injections, and the rectus femoris is typically avoided for intramuscular injections in adults due to potential irritation and pain associated with the injection in this muscle.