Oral Presentation
Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP)—Powerpoint Presentation on Intramuscular (IM) Injections
NUR 363 Nursing Research
Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to acquaint the student with research literature and the process of utilization of research to guide nursing practice/interventions.
Student Approach
While working on the intermediate care unit, I noticed how there were a lack of IM injections being given (aside from the recommended flu vaccines). I wanted to make a presentation, so I gathered evidence which demonstrates the proper techniques and what is considered the safest method of administering an IM injection. The information was given on a poster that was displayed digitally via powerpoint and was recorded for presentation purposes.
Reason for Inclusion
Many of the IM injections given on the unit were administered in the deltoid region of the human body or were given inappropriately. Depending on the patient’s background (gender, weight, and age), it can cause pain which may last for days. Due to the patient population being considered frail and elderly, I noticed tremendous unease when being given only at the deltoid region. I wanted to create a poster which displayed all the necessary information on one slide in hopes my staff and future co-workers may use it to help them.
Curricular Outcomes
Critical Thinking
Uses decision-making skills in making clinical or professional judgments.
When deciding on what I wanted to discuss for the presentation, I had to gather evidence which showed inconsistencies that have not been brought to the staff’s attention. While falls, pressure sores, and neurological checks were important, I felt IM injections being unsafely administered can lead to potential injury for the patient and the nurse providing the medication. I gathered evidence which implemented the safest and most recommended guidelines for administering IM injections by using the Z-track method.
Nursing Practice
Performs therapeutic interventions that incorporate principles of quality management and proper safety techniques.
Safety techniques were compared to other methods displaying IM injections. In addition, three articles were examined to highlight the effectiveness of the Z-track method compared to other methods previously used.
Communication
Demonstrates skills in using technology, informatics, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice.
I had to give a presentation on this project electronically via PowerPoint, record myself, and made a recommendation to my previous nursing manager about IM injection safety. While the latter was not needed for a grade, I figured suggesting an intervention that could help the unit be beneficial.
Teaching
Uses informatics to enhance one’s own knowledge base to support teaching
I had to gather evidence and explain how IM injections are properly administered by using online library resources. A systematic review was also used through ODU’s libraries to explain how the deltoid muscle groups are used most frequently used. The review also explains how aspirating the needle to fully inject the medication causes the most pain.
Research
Evaluates research that focuses on the efficacy and effectiveness of nursing interventions.
The Z-track method was shown to be the safest and most-effective method. The presentation highlights that, unfortunately, many nurses do not use it and rely on other ineffective methods that cause injury.