Safety in the Application off Intramuscular Medications: Knowledge and Practices of Nursing Professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The administration of injectable medications is an essential nursing practice. Correct technique is crucial to ensure treatment effectiveness and prevent complications. However, it is often performed mechanically, lacking attention to protocols and best practices. It is important to understand the nursing team's knowledge and identify weaknesses in practice. Objective: identify errors and failures in nursing care processes related to medication administration, considering the different routes of administration, the practices performed, the importance of institutional protocols and technical – scientific updates, in accordance with international patient safety goals. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, a method that allows for the construction of a comprehensive and systematic analysis on a given topic, enabling the synthesis of previously published research results and the identification of knowledge gaps, in addition to supporting reflections on future research. This study focused on Safety in the Administration of Intramuscular Medications: Knowledge and Practices of Nursing Professionals. The search for studies was conducted in the Google Scholar and Virtual Health Library (BVS – BIREME) databases, from August to September 2025. The terms “nursing,” “intramuscular,” and “injectables” were used as descriptors, combined to select relevant scientific articles. Results: Analysis of the studies shows that medication errors result from the interaction of human, organizational, communicational, and technological factors, intensified by a punitive culture and deficiencies in professional training. In contrast, strategies based on continuing education, the use of assistive technologies, and the strengthening of an institutional culture of learning and safety demonstrate effectiveness in promoting safer, more ethical, and humane nursing practices.