Verify the medication order, patient identity, allergies, and expiration date
Perform hand hygiene and gather supplies
Select the correct intramuscular site
Explain the procedure to the patient
Position the patient to relax the target muscle
Clean the injection site with antiseptic and let it dry
Remove the needle cap
Stretch the skin or use the Z-track technique if indicated
Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the muscle
Aspirate only if required by local policy and medication type
Inject the medication slowly and steadily
Wait briefly, then withdraw the needle at the same angle
Apply gentle pressure with gauze if needed
Do not massage the site unless appropriate for the medication
Dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container
Monitor the patient for immediate adverse reactions
Document the medication, dose, site, time, and patient response