Final answer:
The preferred sites for pediatric IM injections are the deltoid muscle of the upper arm and the anterolateral thigh muscle. The deltoid is suitable for small volume injections in children 3 years and older, while the anterolateral aspect of the thigh is used in infants and younger children for larger volumes. Other mentioned sites are not standard for pediatric IM injections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred sites for pediatric IM injections are the deltoid muscle of the upper arm and the anterolateral thigh muscle. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is a. Deltoid and thigh.
The deltoid site is used for children who are 3 years and older and can be used when the volume of medication administered is relatively small (less than 2 ml). However, for infants and younger children, the anterolateral aspect of the thigh is preferred, specifically in the vastus lateralis muscle, as it can accommodate larger volumes of medication (up to 2 ml) and is away from major nerves and blood vessels.
The ventrogluteal site can also be used in children, but it is less commonly preferred due to the difficulty in identifiying landmarks and potential risk of injury. The dorsogluteal site is generally avoided in children due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery. The abdomen, upper arm (other than the deltoid), calf, and forearm are not standard sites for IM injections in pediatric patients.