Introduction

            Intramuscular medication was developed to prevent damages that were prevalent in the conventional medication process (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 229). This medication involves the administering of medicine into the muscle mass which consequently enhances the absorption process. It is imperative that practitioners perform the medication in the right manner to avoid resultant adverse effects. Ongoing research has improved the medication by coming up with techniques that can improve it.

It has been seven years since I learned how to administer intramuscular injections. Before applying the medication, (Rodger and King, 2000), argues that the practitioner should wash hands with warm water. It is advisable to wear gloves to prevent contact with the patient’s blood. The second step is the identification of the ideal site for intramuscular medicine administration. Rodger and King (2000) add that when administering medication in the ventrogluteal region, the angulation of the needle should be ninety degrees (p. 234). When administering through the thigh region, the thigh should be divided into three parts. The lower end of the middle thigh should be used. Asepsis should be done at the injection site using cotton wool and alcohol (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 234). Pressure should be exerted at the injection site to reduce pain (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 234). After withdrawing medicine and insertion of the needle, traction of the plunger should be done to establish for blood vessel damage, Blood flow into the syringe is an indication of injury to a blood vessel. If blood isn’t observed in the syringe, the medication should be emptied slowly into the body Rodger & King, 2000, p. 234). There should be an allowance period before withdrawing the needle. After a few minutes, the needle should be removed and pressure applied to the area to mitigate pain,

Ongoing research on improving the intramuscular method has come up with recommendations to enhance the procedure. For instance, Rodger and King, (2000), state the use of cold needles can reduce the degree of injuries incurred in the injection area (p. 234). Besides, the administration of intramuscular medication should be carried out using retractable fixed needles. Application of the medicines in the deltoid region can result in complications and should therefore not be considered as a first choice. The application of multi-pin pressure during intramuscular medication has been recommended as a technique that can prevent pain (Rodger & King, 2000p. 234). Practitioners are also advised to apply pressure at the in the injection area after the medication since it enhances drug absorption, in addition to strengthening hemostasis (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 234).

It is also imperative to maintain the needle at a ninety-degree angulation to avert resultant complications (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 234). In case the practitioner identifies the thigh as the ideal puncture site, he should divide the thigh into three parts and use the lower region of the middle portion. Moreover, rotation of the injection sites has also been recommended as a method that can mitigate complications arising due to successive medicine administration (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 235). Besides, practitioners should check for blood vessel damage before releasing the medicine. They can achieve this by plunger traction.

A comparison of the contemporary procedures and my techniques reveals that the process has not changed. However, there are some few modifications in the modern procedure. These include the application of the multi-pin pressure and the use of retractable needles in administering medication (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 235).

The articles used in conducting the research were located using The Metro University Library database.

Based on a reflection of my techniques and a comparison with the contemporary methods, I can comfortably conclude that my techniques are up to date. The few modifications can easily be learnt. However, the asepsis policy at my workplace should be reviewed to conform to contemporary practice and reduce possible complications (Rodger & King, 2000, p. 235).

Conducting research involves the generation of knowledge or validating theoretical knowledge. It is a process that tries to answer research questions and after that performing a hypothesis test on the answers. Typical research involves questioning a phenomenon. The second step is an evaluation of the existing evidence. The final step is identifying gaps in previous research. On the other hand, research utilization involves the use of knowledge and

Evidence gathered by research in improving outcomes and making an impact. Rodger & King, (2000), is a validation because it reviews available knowledge by comparing traditional and contemporary use of IM.