Subcutaneous or intramuscular? Confronting a parenteral administration dilemma

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Pharmacology
• Patient Care

Background:

• Intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) injection routes are common for drug administration.
• Current practices often rely on manufacturer recommendations and historical clinical trial methods.
• The optimal route of administration for individual patients is frequently debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the established practices for IM and SC injection routes.
• To encourage nurses to question existing drug administration guidelines.
• To promote patient advocacy by questioning the suitability of drug, dose, and route for individual patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of IM and SC injection guidelines.
• Analysis of manufacturer recommendations versus clinical trial data.
• Discussion of the nurse's role in patient advocacy regarding drug administration.

Main Results:

• Manufacturer recommendations may perpetuate historical methods rather than patient-specific needs.
• The ideal route of administration (drug, dose, route) requires critical assessment for each patient.
• Nurses play a crucial role in advocating for appropriate patient treatment.

Conclusions:

• Nurses must actively question and evaluate IM and SC injection protocols.
• Patient advocacy includes ensuring the chosen drug, dose, and route are optimal.
• Continuous critical assessment of injection practices is essential for effective patient care.