Misplaced IP injections can lead to which risk?

• A. Minor skin irritation
• B. Immediate death
• C. No risk to the animal
• D. Injury to internal organs or leakage into peritoneal space

Answer: (D)

Misplaced IP injections pose a risk because the peritoneal cavity sits among many vital organs. When an injection intended for the peritoneal space is misdirected, the needle can injure internal organs such as the intestines or liver, and the substance can leak into the abdominal space. This leakage can cause chemical irritation, inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis), infection, and other serious complications. The main concern, then, is injury to internal organs or leakage into the peritoneal space. Superficial skin irritation would come from a different, non-misplaced route and isn’t the result of misplacing the injection; no risk to the animal and immediate death are not the typical or defining outcomes of a misplaced IP injection.