Intramuscular injections--what's best practice?

Abstract

Presents the results of a research project into intramuscular (IM) injection nursing practice. Discusses the results of a literature search, including site selection and the potential iatrogenic complications of sites (dorsogluteal, ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis, deltoid) such as artery or nerve damage, the reluctance of nurses to change from dorsogluteal to ventrogluteal sites, the use of the Z tracking technique to reduce subcutaneous leakage of medication, and the use of gloves in IM injections. Relates the results of a survey of registered nurses (RNs) outside hospitals on IM injection practice. Calls for further education of RNs on site selection and the ventrogluteal site, the Z tracking technique, and best practice on the use of gloves.