Intramuscular injection practices of nurses in the mental health setting
Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Nursing
Expected Graduation Date
2024
Location
CNS Atrium, Easel 24
Start Date
4-15-2023 10:30 AM
End Date
4-15-2023 11:45 AM
Abstract
Intramuscular (IMs) injections are a routine clinical procedure performed by nurses in many healthcare settings. In acute mental health care, IMs are typically used for the administration of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, as a method of chemical restraint. This occurs when patients are taking actions that may be harmful to themselves or others. The IM is preferred over the oral route because of enhanced bioavailability and absorption of the drug, helping the patient return to baseline more quickly. Best practices in administering IMs include using specific sites (deltoid, vastus lateralis, and ventrogluteal), using a Z-track method, and monitoring the amount of fluid injected. One commonly used site of IMs, in the mental health setting, is in the dorsogluteal muscle, due to its large size and easy accessibility during physical restraint of patients, who may be combative and uncooperative, and in an acute state of psychosis, mania, or violence. However, the use of the dorsogluteal site for IMs is contraindicated because of its close proximity to the sciatic nerve. Accidental contact with the sciatic nerve during routine IMs can result in permanent nerve damage. How nurses decide where to give IMs during a psychiatric crisis is rarely studied. Finding ways to inform nurses’ practices in administering IM psychiatric medications may decrease injuries in patients. We are conducting an in-depth review of the literature surrounding the topic of intramuscular injections in the acute mental health care setting. The aim of this review is to explore published research on current practices, techniques, and sites used for IMs in the acute mental health care setting. Using the PRISMA technique for conducting literature reviews helps authors transparently report why the review was done, what they did, and what they found, and is a requirement for publications in nursing journals. Our review is currently in process.
Intramuscular injection practices of nurses in the mental health setting
CNS Atrium, Easel 24
Intramuscular (IMs) injections are a routine clinical procedure performed by nurses in many healthcare settings. In acute mental health care, IMs are typically used for the administration of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, as a method of chemical restraint. This occurs when patients are taking actions that may be harmful to themselves or others. The IM is preferred over the oral route because of enhanced bioavailability and absorption of the drug, helping the patient return to baseline more quickly. Best practices in administering IMs include using specific sites (deltoid, vastus lateralis, and ventrogluteal), using a Z-track method, and monitoring the amount of fluid injected. One commonly used site of IMs, in the mental health setting, is in the dorsogluteal muscle, due to its large size and easy accessibility during physical restraint of patients, who may be combative and uncooperative, and in an acute state of psychosis, mania, or violence. However, the use of the dorsogluteal site for IMs is contraindicated because of its close proximity to the sciatic nerve. Accidental contact with the sciatic nerve during routine IMs can result in permanent nerve damage. How nurses decide where to give IMs during a psychiatric crisis is rarely studied. Finding ways to inform nurses’ practices in administering IM psychiatric medications may decrease injuries in patients. We are conducting an in-depth review of the literature surrounding the topic of intramuscular injections in the acute mental health care setting. The aim of this review is to explore published research on current practices, techniques, and sites used for IMs in the acute mental health care setting. Using the PRISMA technique for conducting literature reviews helps authors transparently report why the review was done, what they did, and what they found, and is a requirement for publications in nursing journals. Our review is currently in process.