The Z-Track Technique as a Pain Management Strategy for Neonates During Intramuscular Injections: Insights from a Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2025.v17i02.011Abstract
Background: Intramuscular injections such as vitamin K supplements are very common within the first days of neonatal life and are deemed painful; therefore, nurses play a vital role during intramuscular injections by employing various non-pharmacological strategies to mitigate pain while taking into consideration ethical principles. Objectives: To assess the effects of using the Z-track technique (ZTT) as a pain management strategy for neonates during intramuscular injections. Methods: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) that adopted a single-blind prospective design was performed on 80 term neonates who underwent vitamin K intramuscular injection during their first few hours of life. The sample were randomised into two groups: 40 neonates in the ZTT (interventional group) and 40 neonates in the control group. The experimental group received ZTT during intramuscular injection, and the control group received the standard method of injection. The main outcome assessment was the Neonatal/Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Results: The NIPS mean scores were compared statistically, and a significant statistical difference was detected between the study and control groups (p value = 0.000), resulting in a lower pain score in the experimental group (3.28±1.08) than the control group (4.53±1.26) with a mean difference of -1.25. Conclusions: The study concluded the utilising of the ZTT is considered an effective non-pharmacological method in alleviating pain associated with the neonatal intramuscular injection of vitamin K.
Keywords:
Intra- Muscular Injection, Neonate, Pain Management, Z- Track TechniqueDownloads
References
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