Pain in Ventrogluteal vs.

Dorsogluteal IM injection sites

Braydon Bird, Fawn Beatty, Jentry Neilsen, Lawrence Merket, Ryanne may Dixie State University Nursing

Abstract
Many people are afraid of needles. Maybe its the sight of the needle, maybe its the blood often associated, or maybe its the pain. This paper addresses the pain associated with IM injection in the gluteal region. The question is whether the dorsogluteal or ventrogluteal site is less painful. Five studies which focus on this subject are reviewed. The findings indicate that the ventrogluteal site for IM injection carries less risk for injury, and may cause less pain than the dorsogluteal site. Research reveals however, that the ventrogluteal site is used much less by nurses than the dorsogluteal site. More education about the decreased pain and risk for injury associated with the ventrogluteal site for IM injection should be provided to nurses. Education will help nurses learn and follow evidence based practice.

decreased risk of complications and injury (Small, 2004.)Though current evidence is suggesting use of the ventrogluteal site, there are many other factors that contribute to nurses still using the dorsogluteal site for IM injections. In a survey conducted in 2007 of 264 nurses indicated that 71% of nurses stated they preferred to use the dorsogluteal site. Reasons for this include comfort with the dorsogluteal site versus the ventrogluteal site, lack of training , ease of finding the dorsogluteal site, comfort of the patient risk of complications associated with each injection site and number of instances when these complications occurred (Walsh & Brophy, 2011.)

Identied Potential Complications with Site Most Frequently Used

Conclusion
There is not sufficient evidence to conclude whether the dorsogluteal site or the ventrogluteal site is more painful in IM injections.

Figure 1 Walsh & Brophy, 2011.

References
Carter-Templeton, H., & McCoy, T. (2008). Are we on the same page?: a comparison of intramuscular injection explanations in nursing fundamental texts.MEDSURG Nursing, 17(4), 237-240. Cocoman, A., & Murray, J. (2008). Intramuscular injections: a review of best practice for mental health nurses. Journal Of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 15(5), 424-434. doi:10.1111/j.13652850.2007.01236.x Greenway, K., Merriman, C., & Statham, D. (2006). Using the ventrogluteal site for intramuscular injections. Learning Disability Practice,9(8), 34-37. Small, S. (2004). Preventing sciatic nerve injury from intramuscular injections: literature review. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 47(3), 287-296. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03092.x Walsh, L., & Brophy, K. (2011). Staff nurses' sites of choice for administering intramuscular injections to adult patients in the acute care setting. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 67(5), 1034-1040. doi:10.1111/j.13652648.2010.05527.x

Objectives
Determine by literary review whether the dorsolgluteal site or the ventrolgluteal site is a less painful site for IM injections.

Recommendations
After review of subject, it is determined that more research needs to be done to determine the pain level of IM in injections at each site to determine which will be best for the patient as it relates to pain and discomfort.

Results
Review of the articles indicated more research needs to be done to determine which site is more painful for the patient. However, research indicates that while the dorsogluteal site is the most utilized site and preferred by practicing registered nurses, the ventrogluteal site is associated with