Effect of Ventrogluteal Intramuscular Injection Technique on Children

The Effect of Ventrogluteal Intramuscular Injection Technique on Pain and Physiological Parameters in Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Intramuscular injection is one of the most frequently practiced basic nursing skills in emergency units. However, serious complications may develop when this skill is not applied with the correct technique.

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of ventrogluteal intramuscular injection technique on pain and physiological parameters in children.

The quasi-experimental study was conducted with 90 children aged 6-12 years. The data were obtained from two groups: the control group, in which routine care was applied during intramuscular injection, and the intervention group, in which the ventrogluteal intramuscular injection technique was applied. The pain and physiological parameters of children in both groups before and after the intervention were compared.

The mean pulse rate was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group after the procedure (p<0.05). When the mean pain scores after the procedure were analyzed, the scores in the intervention group were lower than in the control group (p<0.05). The use of ventrogluteal intramuscular injection technique during in children was effective in reducing pain levels and decreasing pulse rate. These findings support incorporating this technique into routine nursing practice to enhance comfort and safety during intramuscular injections in children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being 6-12 years old.
• Being willing to participate in the research.
• Not having a chronic disease or mental or neurological disability.
• Being able to communicate verbally.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Taking any analgesic medication within 6 hours before the application to the emergency department.
• Having a life-threatening disease (e.g., sepsis, shock, respiratory or cardiogenic arrest).