THE EFFFECT OF THE Z-TRACK TECHNIQUE ON PAIN AND DRUG LEAKAGE IN INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION AT PEOPLES MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL NAWABSHAH; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (RCT)

Abstract

Background: Intramuscular (IM) injections are among the most common nursing procedures for administering medications such pain, drug leakage, bruising, and hematoma. The Z-Track Technique (ZTT) is designed to minimize these adverse effects by displacing the skin laterally before injection to seal the medication within the muscle tissue.

Material & methodology. This study was Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) conducted at People Medical College Hospital Nawabshah, a total of 92 adult patient aged 18–60-year enrolled in this study. The total sample size of study was 92. Moreover, participants randomly assigned to either conventional IM group (n=46) , and z track technique (n=46).

Results. The study revealed that baseline demographic character including age gender BMI and history of prior IM injection were comparable between group (p >0.05). Pain scores were lower in the Z-Track group. Moreover, ZTT found significantly lower occurrence hematoma (25%vs75%, p < .001) reduces bruising severity lower redness and minimal swelling compared conventional group.

Conclusion The Z track technique is an effective and safe method for IM injection. Significantly in less reporting for risk for drug leakage, bruising redness and swelling among patients compared to conventional technique.