For a deltoid injection, which landmark distance is used to locate the injection site?

• A. One finger width below the acromion
• B. Two finger widths below the acromion
• C. Three finger widths below the acromion
• D. Four finger widths below the acromion

Answer: (C)

Locating a deltoid injection site relies on the acromion as the key landmark. After you feel the edge of the acromion, you move downward a short distance to reach the middle portion of the deltoid—the thickest, safest area for a vaccine or medication shot. About three finger widths below the acromion places you in that central part of the muscle, far enough from the acromion to avoid bone and the underlying joint or bursa, and in a region where the deltoid muscle can effectively absorb the injection. This distance helps minimize the risk of hitting bone or delivering the shot into a non-muscular structure while ensuring the medication is administered into muscle tissue.