Paramedic National Registry Practice

Why is it inappropriate to administer medication intramuscularly to a patient in shock?

1. High risk of infection

2. Increased vascular permeability

3. Poor perfusion

4. Inadequate muscle mass

The correct answer is: Poor perfusion

Administering medication intramuscularly to a patient in shock is inappropriate primarily due to poor perfusion. In a shock state, the body's circulatory system is compromised, leading to reduced blood flow to tissues, including muscles. When medication is delivered intramuscularly, it relies on adequate blood flow to absorb the drug from the muscle into the circulation for it to be effective. In patients experiencing shock, the reduced perfusion can result in slower or inadequate absorption of the medication, rendering it less effective or delaying the desired therapeutic effect. This is crucial in emergency situations, where timely intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes. While factors like infection risk, vascular permeability, and muscle mass can be relevant in certain contexts, they do not directly address the critical aspect of medication absorption in the setting of shock.