Final answer:
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Licensed Vocational Nurses are legally permitted to administer IM injections, while Unlicensed Nursing Personnel and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel are not authorized to do so.
Step-by-step explanation:
The healthcare providers who are legally permitted to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a client are:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Unlicensed Nursing Personnel (UNP) and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) are generally not allowed to administer medications, including IM injections, as they lack the required training and legal authority. Administering medications is typically within the scope of practice for RNs, LPNs, and LVNs, who have received proper training and hold the necessary licenses. It is important to consult local regulations and institutional policies as they may vary, but commonly, RNs, LPNs, and LVNs are the ones authorized to administer injections.