injection technique

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I am gathering research together on injection technique, cannulation, and venepuncture. Anyone have any up to date research?

Iam mostly interested in the best way to administer an intramuscular injection , how quickly or slowly to do it is a point being debated on our ward at the moment. It is generally thought that inserting the needle slowly gives the patient less pain, as a quick insertion might cause muscle spasm.What is your experience?

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I have always gotten compliments on my IMs from my patients, they say my injections are either less painful or that I have a light hand.

Basically I hold my syringe like a dart and say one, two, three!

and quickly jab.

no science, sorry!;) Just 10 years of experience!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I say the quicker the better. The nurse in my Gyn's office is a pro. She administers Depo so painlessly, I sometimes wonder if I've actually gotten a shot!:)

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Specializes in LTC, MDS/careplans, Unit Manager.

I must agree...the quicker the better!!! I used to work with a nurse that always pushed the needle slowly into the skin...I would watch the patients "wince" like it was painful. I think she is the only person I have seen do it that was in the 8 years I have been in nursing. I certainly would not want one that way!!!

Shari

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I agree the quicker the better, also with the dart technique

http://enw.org/IVStarts.htm

A good IV web site

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Pinching the muscle up between the thumb and forefinger with a quick insertion has worked well for myself and the client/patient/resident.

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Another easy way to ease the pain is to tell your patient to slap their skin with their open hand just before you clean the area with your alcohol wipe... shocks the nerve endings and dulls the sense of pain.. works great and they don't feel it as much! :D

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I was taught to 'dart' in school and have never done it any other way. My Mom showed me a trick for deltoid shots- have the person put the arm behind their back with the elbow bent. If the person is a 'tenser' or prone to spasm they wont do it. It really works! I am prone to spasm and don't. It also just seems to hurt less.

-nancy

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Dart style, quick, count to three but give it on two. Works for me. I don't feel comfortable pinching the skin personally, I prefer to keep myself as far away from the needle as possible as I am a big weeny when it comes to getting poked! Yes I admit it, I actually fainted one time.

My first time ever giving an IM injection was awful. We gave flu shots at a LTC facility! My patient was an 80 pound lovely lady, very confused. I will never forget the shiver I got down my spine when I accidentally hit needle to bone. OH MY GOODNESS, makes me cringe even now. She was adorable, looked at me and said "dear, is there a door open somewhere? I think I was just stung by a bee!" Gotta love it!:D

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Hi everyone, thanls for your relies.

Ive given my im injections like a quick dart for over 10 years too. Sometimes pinching the skin if the patient is thin, Ive never really had any complaints. But on working with some nursing students recently I noticed they all push the needle in slowly, Ive watched the patients and asked them if it hurts more if given slowly or quickly. They have all said quick dart like injections are most painful. I see these patients regularly and trust their opinions. So Im questionning my own practice. Ive asked the nurse manager on our unit, and she has always pushed the needle in slowly. Lets ask our patients how they feel and write back here.

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Hi everyone, thanks for your replies.

Ive given my im injections like a quick dart for over 10 years too. Sometimes pinching the skin if the patient is thin, Ive never really had any complaints. But on working with some nursing students recently I noticed they all push the needle in slowly, Ive watched the patients and asked them if it hurts more if given slowly or quickly. They have all said quick dart like injections are most painful. I see these patients regularly and trust their opinions. So Im questionning my own practice. Ive asked the nurse manager on our unit, and she has always pushed the needle in slowly. Lets ask our patients how they feel and write back here.

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I agree with the quicker the better. I prefer the dart tecnique and i haven't had any problems. will pinch muscle if patient is small or thin

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