Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 361 of 2368
Why should a nurse avoid the dorsogluteal site for intramuscular injections?
- The needle could hit the sciatic nerve and cause leg paralysis
- The muscle is too thin to hold any medication
- The site cannot be located by landmarks
- The site absorbs medication too slowly for any drug
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Correct answer: The needle could hit the sciatic nerve and cause leg paralysis
Injury to the sciatic nerve can cause partial or permanent paralysis of the leg.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Administration of Parenteral Medications: Special Considerations for IM Injections. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026