Final answer:
Appropriate techniques for administering an IM injection include inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle, donning gloves after handwashing, cleansing the injection site outward from the center, and disposing of the needle in a biohazard sharps container without recapping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate technique for administering an IM injection includes several steps to ensure safety and efficacy. First, inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle is the correct method for ensuring that the medication is properly delivered into the muscle tissue. Second, it is imperative to don gloves after washing your hands to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk of infection. Third, cleansing the site using a circular motion starting at the center and moving outward is the proper technique to disinfect the area where the needle will be inserted. Aspirating for a blood return before injecting the medication was once a common practice, but current guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against routine aspiration. Applying pressure over the injection site after withdrawing the needle can help to minimize bleeding and discomfort. Lastly, recapping the needle before disposal is not recommended as it poses a risk for needle stick injuries; instead, the needle should be disposed of directly into a biohazard sharps container without recapping.