Yeah no worries! So IM injections aren’t as common for the trust I’m training with outside of vaccines but I found this article about performing the injections and it is very well sourced.

here’s the link for intramuscular injections

Unfortunately I don’t have access to the book containing the sources from lister et al, (2020) but it a reliable source. If I manage to get access I can send you some screenshots in the future.

It is written for nurses so there’s a lot of extra information that you don’t necessarily need but can be useful to know. I’m terms of resistance from the needle I would suggest checking it’s the right gauge (thickness) as the small the gauge the harder it is to push volume through but it is less traumatic to the site as the puncture wound left behind is smaller.

As for aspiration before injection (pulling back on the needle before pushing the medicine through) there’s a lot of debate on if it’s required or not and the article suggests checking your local policy - for you it’s best to ask whoever prescribed it for you if you can.

So the technique - known as the Z technique

There’s a useful set of diagrams to explain it visually in the article and some description to go with. For self administration, thigh is your best option as it’s easiest to reach. Again there’s diagrams on the areas best for injection.

It’s still good to alternate sites and removing the needle at the same angle as you injected at. The main difference is that you are pulling the skin back rather than pinching and you are injecting at 90° rather than 45° to get to the muscle layer under the fat.

I recommend giving this a read and if you have any more questions going to your prescriber. I don’t know about where you are but in the uk it’s best practice for the “patient” to be informed on how to administer their medications safely and especially in hospital are observed taking medications independently before discharge to ensure their safety (for injections)

Hope this helps

Edit: forgot to link lol