The nurse is giving an intramuscular injection of an antibiotic to a 16-month-old toddler with pneumonia. The toddler does not have any known allergies and has been walking without assistance for one month. Which technique should the nurse select for administration?

Divide the gluteal area into quarters and give IM into the upper outer quadrant.

Administer the injection into the middle of the lateral aspect of the thigh.

Use a needle length of 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to avoid deep tissue damage.

Give in the arm, one to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) below the acromion process.