Air-Lock versus Z-Track Technique for Reducing Neonatal Pain Associated with ‎Intramuscular Vitamin K Injection: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective(s): the study aimed to assess the effects of using the Z-track and Air-lock techniques in intramuscular injection on pain levels among neonates.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed on 120 term neonates selected using purposive sampling, and were divided into three groups (Air-lock, Z-track, and Control) who underwent vitamin K intramuscular injection. The control group received the injection using the routine standard practice in the neonatal unit. The Neonatal / Infant pain scale used to assess the results of the study. Statistical Package for social science SPSS was used for data analysis.

Results: The results showed, the mean of pain score was lower in the Z-track technique group compared to Air-lock technique and conventional groups. The statistics showed a significant difference between the pain scores at P value= 0.000.

Conclusions: The study concluded using the Z- track and Air-lock techniques are effective as non-pharmacological methods in reducing pain associated with the neonatal vitamin K injection.

Recommendations: the study recommends that nurses need to use the Z- track and the Air-lock techniques in postnatal wards, as part of the standard intramuscular injection procedures for pain reduction.