Which nerve pathway must be avoided by landmarks when administering injection in the gluteal muscle?

Which nerve pathway must be avoided by landmarks when administering injection in the gluteal muscle?

• A. Gluteal
• B. Sciatic
• C. Femoral
• D. Radial

Answer: (B)

Avoiding injury to the sciatic nerve is the priority when using gluteal landmarks for injections. The sciatic nerve lies deep in the buttock and travels down the back of the thigh, so placing a needle too medially or too deep in the gluteal region can strike it and cause pain, numbness, or even weakness in the leg. That’s why injections are aimed at the upper outer quadrant of the buttock or at the ventrogluteal site, which are away from the major path of the sciatic nerve. The other nerves listed are not in the typical path of a gluteal injection, so they’re not the primary concern here.

Avoiding injury to the sciatic nerve is the priority when using gluteal landmarks for injections. The sciatic nerve lies deep in the buttock and travels down the back of the thigh, so placing a needle too medially or too deep in the gluteal region can strike it and cause pain, numbness, or even weakness in the leg. That’s why injections are aimed at the upper outer quadrant of the buttock or at the ventrogluteal site, which are away from the major path of the sciatic nerve. The other nerves listed are not in the typical path of a gluteal injection, so they’re not the primary concern here.