A patient is prescribed an intramuscular medication that requires the Z-track technique. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct answer: A. Displace the skin laterally before inserting the needle
- A. Displace the skin laterally before inserting the needle
- B. Pinch the skin upward and inject into the dermis
- C. Insert the needle at a shallow angle into the epidermis
- D. Massage the site firmly immediately after injection
Explanation
The Z-track technique involves pulling the skin and subcutaneous tissue laterally before injection, then releasing it afterward. This seals the medication in the muscle and reduces tracking into subcutaneous tissue; firm massage may spread or irritate the medication.
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About Routes and Safe Medication Administration
Safe medication administration covers oral, sublingual, buccal, topical, inhaled, enteral, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes, including their absorption patterns and technique. It also includes medication rights, patient identification, documentation, allergy checks, injection site selection and prevention of errors, with route selection distinguished from dosage calculation.
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