Final answer:
The vastus lateralis muscle is used for IM injections in pediatric patients up to about 3 years old. The maximum volume for injections is typically limited to 1 mL. Guidance from healthcare professionals should be followed.
Step-by-step explanation:
In pediatric patients, the vastus lateralis muscle is commonly used for intramuscular (IM) injections. The age range for using the vastus lateralis muscle varies depending on the child's size and development, but it is generally used in infants and young children up to about 3 years old. After that age, the deltoid muscle in the upper arm becomes a more common site for IM injections.
The maximum volume that can be injected into the vastus lateralis muscle also depends on the child's size, but it is generally recommended to limit the volume to 1 mL for infants and young children.
It is important to note that specific guidance from healthcare professionals should be followed when administering IM injections to pediatric patients.